Understanding the Psychological Determinants of Incel Identity in Male Young Adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62843/jssr.v6i3.740Keywords:
Incel Identity, Social Rejection, Attachment Styles, Pakistani Young Adult MalesAbstract
The present study investigated the relationship between perceived social rejection, attachment styles, and incel identity among young adult males in Pakistan. Using a quantitative correlational research design, data were collected from 190 males aged 18–35 years recruited from universities in Karachi and through social media networks. Participants completed a demographic form, the Interpersonal Rejection Sensitivity Scale (IRSS), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Incel Trait Scale (ITS). Prior to participation, informed consent was obtained, and data were collected anonymously through Google Forms. Participation was voluntary, and confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between perceived social rejection and incel identity (r = .189, p = .009), indicating that higher levels of perceived social rejection were associated with stronger incel identity. Attachment styles were also significantly positively correlated with incel identity (r = .214, p = .003), suggesting that attachment insecurity is linked to greater incel identification. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between perceived social rejection and attachment styles (r = .510, p < .001). Overall, the results supported the proposed hypotheses and demonstrated that higher perceived social rejection and attachment insecurity are associated with higher levels of incel identity among young adult males in Pakistan.
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