Quest for Significance as a Path to Peaceful Effortful Actions: The Moderating Role of Values

Abstract

An extensive body of research has identified the basic need to feel significant and respected by society as one of the key motivational factors of extremism. Although equally conceived to explain violent and nonviolent forms of extremism and peaceful effortful actions, this need has been mainly used as an explanation for violent extremism. However, with the increase of movements surrounding global issues and the wide range of actions that can be undertaken to advocate for them, understanding the motivational basis underlying extreme peaceful behaviors is of particular importance. In this context, the need for significance might play a crucial role. Across one cross-sectional and two experimental studies (Study 1, n = 332; Study 2, n = 267; Study 3, n = 271), we tested the role of the need for significance in explaining effortful peaceful behaviors. We found that, when in the quest for significance, individuals are more likely to perform more costly behaviors rather than easy behaviors. The relationships between the need for significance and effortful nonviolent behaviors were particularly strong, when these behaviors were congruent with perceived social values. These results indicate that individuals may seek to satisfy their need to feel significant and respected by performing effortful though peaceful behaviors, especially when these behaviors are encouraged by the social narrative. The results are discussed within the context of deradicalization frameworks.