Involuntary Celibates’ Experiences of and Grievance over Sexual Exclusion and the Potential Threat of Violence Among Those Active in an Online Incel Forum

This article represents the largest ever primary data-based study of involuntary celibates (incels), previously studied nearly exclusively through analysis of online postings. The incel movement has been characterized by some as a radical ideology, with mass murderers such as Elliot Rodger, Alek Minassian, and Chris Harper Mercer being portrayed as prototypical of the movement. However, there is a dearth of research through direct questioning of incels and therefore very little nuanced understanding of the community, its shared grievances, and its opinions regarding violence in its name. The present study of over 250 self-identified incels demonstrates that although the majority of incels are non-violent and do not approve of violence, those who consider themselves to be staunch misogynists are likely to endorse a desire to commit violence and are also likely to become more misogynistic through participation on incel web forums, which validate their views. The study also finds that while many incels report experiencing a variety of psychological symptoms, they are loath to seek help from mental health professionals. This implies that the threat of violence from a subset of incels should not be ignored, but promotion of compassionate and understanding psychological may be more broadly beneficial to the community.

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Concepts of mental disorders in the United Kingdom: Similarities and differences between the lay public and psychiatrists

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0020764019863084 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 65 (6) ◽

pp. 507-514

Author(s):

Ben Butlin ◽

Keith Laws ◽

Rebecca Read ◽

Matthew D Broome ◽

Shivani Sharma

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Community Sample ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Similarities And Differences ◽

Nuanced Understanding ◽

Lay Public

Background: The lay public often conceptualise mental disorders in a different way to mental health professionals, and this can negatively impact on outcomes when in treatment. Aims: This study explored which disorders the lay public are familiar with, which theoretical models they understand, which they endorse and how they compared to a sample of psychiatrists. Methods: The Maudsley Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ), typically used to assess mental health professional’s concepts of mental disorders, was adapted for use by a lay community sample ( N = 160). The results were compared with a sample of psychiatrists ( N = 76). Results: The MAQ appeared to be accessible to the lay public, providing some interesting preliminary findings: in order, the lay sample reported having the best understanding of depression followed by generalised anxiety, schizophrenia and finally antisocial personality disorder. They best understood spiritualist, nihilist and social realist theoretical models of these disorders, but were most likely to endorse biological, behavioural and cognitive models. The lay public were significantly more likely to endorse some models for certain disorders suggesting a nuanced understanding of the cause and likely cure, of various disorders. Ratings often differed significantly from the sample of psychiatrists who were relatively steadfast in their endorsement of the biological model. Conclusion: The adapted MAQ appeared accessible to the lay sample. Results suggest that the lay public are generally aligned with evidence-driven concepts of common disorders, but may not always understand or agree with how mental health professionals conceptualise them. The possible causes of these differences, future avenues for research and the implications for more collaborative, patient–clinician conceptualisations are discussed.

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Recognizing and Managing Suicide Risk

10.1093/med/9780190491857.003.0004 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Maggie Watson ◽

Luigi Grassi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

General Population ◽

Cancer Patient ◽

Patient Care ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Suicide Risk ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Health Needs ◽

Mental Health Needs

Suicide rates for cancer patients are above those of the general population and higher than for patients with other medical conditions. The underdiagnosis and/or misdiagnosis of clinical depression and suicide risk by cancer health professionals emphasizes the importance of training in recognizing, assessing, and appropriately managing suicide risk. This chapter covers evidence on assessment of suicide risk, clinical management, and legal and ethical responsibilities that should help reduce and/or improve management of suicide risk. While oncology professionals may want to share with mental health professionals those aspects of cancer patient care relating to their patients’ mental health needs, the ability to manage serious psychological symptoms and deal with a patient in crisis due to suicide risk often lies primarily within the oncology professional’s domain of responsibility. This chapter briefly sets out information that should be useful in managing these aspects of cancer patient care.

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