The Psychology of the Extreme
By Arie W. Kruglanski and Sophia Moskalenko
Why do people take things to the extreme—and what does that reveal about human nature?
Psychology of the Extreme by renowned psychologists Arie W. Kruglanski and Sophia Moskalenko explores the psychological forces that push individuals beyond the ordinary. It examines how extreme behaviors—both destructive and constructive—shape our lives, relationships, and cultures.
From the perils of gambling and political violence to the passion that fuels scientific discovery and social change, this book reveals how extremism manifests in unexpected ways. Through engaging case studies and grounded research, the authors show that extremism isn’t just about radicals—it’s about all of us.
Psychology of the Extreme is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the deeper motivations behind obsession, intensity, and radical action—and how these same forces might be harnessed to improve the human experience.
🎧 Want to hear the authors discuss the big ideas behind the book? Click the image below to listen to their conversation on the American Psychological Association (APA) flagship podcast, Speaking of Psychology:
The Psychology of the Extreme is available from your favorite bookseller and online internationally from Amazon.
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Meet The Authors
Arie W. Kruglanski is Distinguished University Professor of Psychology at the University of Maryland and one of the world’s leading experts on human motivation. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards—including the APA’s Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award and the APS William James Fellow Award—Dr. Kruglanski has dedicated his career to understanding the forces that drive thought, emotion, and behavior.
In addition to The Psychology of the Extreme, he is the author of several other acclaimed books, including The Quest for Significance, Uncertain, The Three Pillars of Radicalization, The Radical's Journey, and The Psychology of Closed Mindedness, which explore the psychological roots of identity, belief, and action. Learn more at www.kruglanskiarie.com.
Professor Kruglanski can also be contacted on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
Sophia Moskalenko is a Research Fellow at Georgia State University and Senior Research Scientist at Development Services Group (DSG). After receiving her Ph.D. in social and clinical psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, she focused her research on radicalization, self-sacrifice, martyrdom, and disinformation. At the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (NC-START) Dr. Moskalenko has worked on projects commissioned by the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State. She serves as a consultant to the European Commission, the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation and at the Hub on Behavioral Insights, United Nations' Office of Counter-Terrorism.
Dr. Moskalenko has co-authored several books, including award-winning Friction: How conflict radicalizes them and us, The Marvel of Martyrdom: The power of self-sacrifice in the selfish world, and Pastels and Pedophiles: Inside the Mind of QAnon,
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