Extremism, Social Support and Resilience among People Living in Malakand

Abstract

The aim of current study is to assess relationship between extremism, social support and resilience among university students. This study further aims to assess the moderating role of social support between extremism and resilience among people living in Malakand division. Using a correlational design, through purposive sampling technique data were collected from 220 university students (50% male and 50% female) using the Extremism Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS).The results revealed significant negative correlations between extremism and resilience. r=−.38**, p<01) and extremism and social support (r=−.48**, p<.01), whereas social support was related to resilience (r=.45**, p<.01). Social support further moderated the relationship between extremism and resilience, weakening its negative effects, especially at higher levels of support (B=−.03, p<.01B=−.03, p<.01). Gender differences emerged, with females reporting higher extremism (M=74.25) compared to males (M=67.07), whereas males were more resilient (M=18.15) and social support (M=52.50).