Deviant Association, Self-Sacrifice for Religion, and Dehumanization as Predictors of Criminal Attitudes

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of social psychology, understanding the predictors of criminal attitude has become increasingly vital. This study investigates the influence of deviant association, self-sacrifice for religion, and dehumanization on the development of criminal attitudes. A sample of 300 individuals (M age = 22.14, SD = 2.03) was selected through purposive sampling, and standardized psychometric tools were used to assess all variables. Regression analysis revealed that deviant association (β = .330, p < .001) and self-sacrifice for religion (β = .422, p < .001) significantly predicted criminal attitudes, with a partial indication of a protective element in the latter. Dehumanization also showed a positive impact (B = 0.247), although its significance level was inconclusive. The model accounted for 20.6% of the variance in criminal attitudes (R² = .206). Correlational findings supported these results, highlighting significant positive associations between deviant association, self-sacrifice for religion, and criminal attitudes. Interestingly, dehumanization had a weak and non-significant direct correlation with criminal attitudes (r = .015), suggesting its influence may be indirect or moderated by other variables. These findings underscore the critical roles of social affiliation and ideological commitment in shaping criminal predispositions and point toward the need for preventative strategies that address group influence and extremist belief systems.