THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGIOUS STRESS AND RADICALIZATION TRAJECTORIES: A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

In this article, the authors provide a theoretical examination of the relationship between religious stress and radicalization trajectories based on K.I. Pargament's concept of negative religious coping. The study was carried out using a narrative review of the main literature published over the last decade. The analysis focused on three key mechanisms of negative religious coping: cognitive frustration, externalization (blaming the external environment), and manipulation by radical groups. These mechanisms were examined in connection with F. Moghaddam's "Staircase to Terrorism" model and A. Kruglanski's "Significance Quest" theory. The article also analyzes the emerging phenomenon of "digital religious stress," including the role of social media algorithms and the radicalization practices of online religious communities. Based on the analysis, the authors propose a conceptual model describing the path from negative religious coping to cognitive radicalization. The findings are addressed to religious studies scholars and researchers in the psychology of religion, and are of practical relevance for methodological work in the field of deradicalization. Since the proposed model is theoretical in nature, its empirical validation remains a task for future research.