Al-Anbar University Journal For Humanities

Abstract

Extremism is of different grades and various forms. It results in violence and terrorism and it renders others its target. The consequences of extremism (in all its forms; sectarian, racial, national, i.e.,) have become clear through out the incidents the country ghas passed through in the last years. They have been clear in forms of social violence and the lack of dialogue in the various issues. This is the most challenging issue which the community in general and the young students at the university level in particular encounter. What makes more dangerious is its widespread effect and the fatal problems associated with it. In light of this, the study represents a scientific field attempt on a sample of university students to understand their psychological and behavioural aspects and the negative psychological consequences resulting from the problems they encountered. The significance of this study comes from its contribution to develop councelling and curing programs pertaining to the problem addressed in this study based on its findings. Hence, the study aims to identify the level of extremism in students at the University of Anbar to highlight differences in extremism on two variables; type and specialization. To achieve the objectives of the study, a sample consisting of 400 (192 male and 208 female students) distributed into 6 faculties has been selected to build a psychological measure for extremism. Moreover, 300 (144 male and 156 female students) distributed into 4 faculties to represent the basic sample to achieve the objectives of the study. A measurement for extremism consisting of 48 prompts has been designed. Various types of reliability and validity of the measurement have been extracted. Using the SPSS, the following conclusions could be arrived at;1.Students in the sample of the study have a level of extremism slightly less than average. 2.There are no statistically significant differences at (0.5) in the level of extremism according to the two variables of type and specialization.In light of these findings, a number of recommendations and proposals have been put forward. These include; -Designing a practical strategy to confront extremism through the utilization of awareness programs in the audiovisual channels in order to mitigate the effects of causes of extremism.-Planning guidance programs, means and activities to confront extremism trends.