Some individuals continue to believe in and support communism for a variety of psychological reasons that often reflect deeper mental flaws or issues. These can include:
Idealism and Disillusionment: Many supporters may hold an idealistic view of communism as a means to achieve equality and justice. This idealism can stem from a disillusionment with capitalism's perceived failures, leading them to cling to an unrealistic vision of a communist utopia. This can represent an evasion of reality, as they ignore the historical failures and consequences of communist regimes [1].
Groupthink and Social Metaphysics: People who support communism may be influenced by groupthink, where the desire for harmony in a group leads to irrational decision-making. This can cause individuals to suppress their doubts and align with the prevailing ideology of their social circles, reflecting a lack of independent thought [6]. This phenomenon can indicate a disintegrated mode of thought, where personal beliefs are subordinated to collective ideology.
Low Self-Esteem and Overcompensation: Some individuals may have low self-esteem and seek validation through their ideological beliefs. By supporting a radical ideology like communism, they may feel a sense of belonging and importance, overcompensating for their perceived inadequacies. This can manifest as a need to align with a cause that promises grand changes, despite the lack of evidence for its success [5].
Trump Derangement Syndrome: In some cases, strong emotional reactions against opposing political figures, such as former President Trump, can lead to a heightened adherence to leftist ideologies. This phenomenon, often referred to as Trump Derangement Syndrome, reflects a psychological fixation that distorts rational thinking and reinforces ideological extremes [4].
Delusions and Ideological Rigidness: Some supporters may exhibit delusional thinking, where they maintain beliefs that are contradicted by evidence. This rigidity can stem from cognitive dissonance, where individuals struggle to reconcile their beliefs with the failures of communist systems. Such delusions can prevent them from embracing more effective or rational alternatives, indicating a form of mental abnormality [3].
Fear of Individual Responsibility: Communism's emphasis on collective ownership and state control can attract individuals who fear taking personal responsibility for their lives. This reflects an anti-effort mentality, where the burden of individual action is seen as overwhelming, leading to a preference for systems that promise to alleviate this burden at the cost of personal freedom [2].
In summary, the continued belief in communism among certain individuals can often be traced to a combination of idealism, social pressures, psychological insecurity, and cognitive distortions. These factors can reveal deeper mental issues, such as a disintegrated mode of thought, evasion of reality, and delusions, which contribute to their adherence to an ideology that has historically led to significant suffering and loss.
Sources
1 The Psychology of Freedom by Peter R. Breggin, M.D.
2 Liberalism is a Mental Disorder: Savage Solutions by Michael Savage, 2005 edition
3 Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach 8th Edition by David H. Barlow (Author), Vincent Mark Durand (Author), Stefan G. Hofmann (Author)
4 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Text Revision Dsm-5-tr 5th Edition by American Psychiatric Association
5 the Liberal Mind by Lyle H. Rossiter Jr., M.D.
6 Man in the Trap by Elsworth F. Baker
in addition:
Here are some additional insights:
Cognitive Dissonance: Many supporters may experience cognitive dissonance when confronted with the historical failures of communism. To alleviate this discomfort, they might dismiss evidence of these failures or reinterpret them in a way that aligns with their beliefs. This suggests a form of denial or evasion of reality, as they choose to ignore the tangible consequences of communist policies [1].
Nostalgia and Romanticization: Some individuals romanticize past communist movements, viewing them as noble struggles against oppression. This nostalgia can create a distorted perception of history, leading to an idealized version of communism that disregards its actual implementation and outcomes. Such a perspective often reflects a concrete-bound mentality, where individuals are unable to think abstractly about the implications of these ideologies [4].
Victim Mentality: A pervasive victim mentality can drive individuals toward leftist ideologies, including communism. Those who perceive themselves as victims of societal structures may be attracted to the promise of systemic change that communism offers. This can indicate a psychological dependence on external validation and an avoidance of personal agency, further entrenching them in a mindset that seeks blame rather than solutions [5].
Emotional Appeal and Manipulation: The emotional appeal of communism, particularly its promises of equality and social justice, can resonate with individuals who are emotionally vulnerable or disenfranchised. This vulnerability can lead to susceptibility to manipulation by charismatic leaders or ideologues who exploit these sentiments, reflecting a lack of critical thinking and an inclination toward social metaphysics [6].
Identity Politics: In contemporary society, many individuals find their identity through ideological alignment. This can lead to a strong attachment to collectivist ideologies, including communism, as a means of defining self-worth and belonging. Such identity politics can exacerbate groupthink and discourage dissenting opinions, reinforcing an anti-effort mentality where individuals do not seek to challenge or expand their understanding of the world [2].
Psychological Projection: Supporters may project their own feelings of powerlessness onto the capitalist system, viewing it as the source of their struggles. This projection can lead them to embrace communism as a solution, despite its historical failures. This tendency reflects a disintegrated mode of thought, where individuals fail to analyze their circumstances critically and instead attribute their issues to external forces [3].
In summary, the persistence of belief in communism among certain individuals is often rooted in a complex interplay of cognitive dissonance, romanticized views of history, victim mentality, emotional vulnerability, identity politics, and psychological projection. These factors can reveal deeper mental issues, including evasion of reality and disintegrated thought processes, which contribute to their adherence to an ideology that has proven to be detrimental throughout history.
Sources
1 Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach 8th Edition by David H. Barlow (Author), Vincent Mark Durand (Author), Stefan G. Hofmann (Author)
2 The Psychology of Freedom by Peter R. Breggin, M.D.
3 Liberalism is a Mental Disorder: Savage Solutions by Michael Savage, 2005 edition
4 the Liberal Mind by Lyle H. Rossiter Jr., M.D.
5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Text Revision Dsm-5-tr 5th Edition by American Psychiatric Association
6 Man in the Trap by Elsworth F. Baker
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