Positive Existential Psychology for the Prevention of Extremism

Many scientific works and studies have focused on the phenomena of extremism and violent radicalization. However, very few resources exist to effectively address this issue from an educational perspective. The diagnoses are often fragmented and give prominence to geopolitical and socio-political factors. Yet an interdisciplinary analysis of the processes of extremism and radicalization indicates the central role of biographical, psychological, or even psychopathological variables and traumas. How can we draw deep lessons from this to innovate in education and truly give ourselves the means to prevent these processes of extremism and radicalization? This book, deliberately choosing positive and existential psychology as a resource, proposes to answer this question with the support of scientific and creative resources that finally address and respond to the root causes. These resources are adapted to socio-educational professions and understandable by parents. They finally restore courage, ideas, and motivating and positive approaches for all those who want to take up this increasingly widespread and threatening challenge within our societies. At the same time, these resources make it possible to work on the transmission of values, strengths, and to contribute to the mental health and fulfilment of our youth, a capital theme if there ever was one.

Alain Ruffion is part-time professor of psychopathology at University of Kenitra, Marocco. He was Born in Switzerland, suggesting his vocation for peace. After having spent long periods in Africa as well as throughout Europe, the United States, Australia, each time to promote understanding and intercultural communication, the fight against racism and all forms of extremism, He became a psychoanalyst and was graduated of Political Science. He is now currently working as a professor and a trainer in a lot of diverse contexts (University, NGO, Firms, Institutions) in Mena region, France and Europe. Besides, he contributed to the foundation of efficient and well known NGO in France (recently ERANOS Institute). He wishes to give rise to citizen commitment toward humane and ecological resilience and spiritual and secular education open to all youths and cultures of the world.