Need for cognitive closure and desire for cultural tightness mediate the effect of concern about ecological threats on the need for strong leadership

• DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-05260-2
• Publication Date: 2023-10-11T02:01:36Z
• Authors: Federico Contu; Molly Ellenberg; Arie W. Kruglanski; Giuseppe Pantaleo; Antonio Pierro
• Keywords: Closure (psychology)

Abstract The present research utilizes an evolutionary framework to investigate the process underlying recent rise of several populist, “strongmen” leaders. Specifically, we propose that when people experience contingent (i.e., impending) ecological threats, their need for cognitive closure is activated, making them desire strong rules a tight society) and be guided by leader. Further, hypothesize cultural tightness, once activated closure, augments peoples’ In two studies, tested our hypotheses with respect most salient threats currently affecting Europeans, namely COVID-19 (Study 1) war in Ukraine 2). Results supported all hypotheses, thereby shedding light on psycho-motivational underpinnings tightness) populist thus corroborate idea leaders can use threats-related uncertainty maintain or gain power, could bring alignment right-wing ideas people’s political attitudes.