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How brain damage can lead to fundamentalism

Brain damage, aggression and fundamentalism - neuroscientists see a connection here.

(Bild: Adobe Stock (2), Krone KREATIV)

They are firmly convinced of their views, "immune" to criticism and, in extreme cases, extremely dangerous: fundamentalists! Researchers want to understand why people become radicalized. The latest studies also include brain damage - and discover fascinating parallels ...

What drives people into fundamentalism, into a rigid corset of beliefs that they simply cannot and will not cast off? It is clear that one's own life course and social environment can favor or prevent delusional political or religious ideas, depending on one's constitution. Perceived deficits and inner emptiness, feelings of inferiority, fear of failure, but also bullying and neglect (by caregivers) can ultimately open the door to radicalization.