Correlates of the Embittered Mind: Radical, Psychotic, and Conspiracy Ideations

Embitterment is a common response to perceived traumatic injustice. It can develop into hopelessness and a sense of having lost control. In severe forms it may lead to persistent litigation, aggression, and suicidality. Apart from these documented consequences, little is known about the associated psychological factors of the embittered affect. In a sample of 133 adults from the general population, the associations between embitterment and a) conspiracy mentality, b) radical attitudes that condone illegal action, and c) psychotic ideations in response to injustice, were explored. The results show a strong relationship between embitterment and psychotic ideation, and a weak association between embitterment, age, and radical (unlawful) attitudes. There was no statistically significant association between embitterment and conspiracy mentality. The results have practical implications but require further study. Because, if embitterment increases psychotic ideation, and to a lesser extend radical attitudes, this poses a risk on irrational and possibly violent behaviour. If, on the other hand, psychotic ideation or radical attitudes precede embitterment, more emphasis on screening for psychosis and radical attitudes could reduce the negative effects of embitterment.