Fear learned in childhood drives authoritarian aggression

Evidence

We can predict introductory psychology students’ RWA scores rather accurately if we know whether they have had certain experiences in life. The critical period for the development of adult authoritarianism, in terms of these experiences, is probably adolescence. — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 1185 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Fascism’s psychology emerges first in childhood peer cruelty — Theodor W. Adorno, Minima Moralia: Reflections from…, 215; Authoritarian parenting produces children unable to manage aggression or form intimate bonds — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 1779; Childhood emotional tones get reapplied to adult situations — Mark Fisher, Ghosts of My Life: Writings on…, 436 (+16 more)

Broader Connections

• Adult authoritarianism is set during adolescence by specific experiences #complicates (0.74) — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 1185