Psychology of Violence, Vol 15(6), Nov 2025, 662-669; doi:10.1037/vio0000637
Objective: This work examines whether climate change-related threat perceptions foster support for antagonistically orientated collective action: either with the goal to radically protest for climate protection or radically, even violently, confront climate protesters. Depending on levels of right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) as an ideological boundary condition, individuals may respond to perceived climate change-related threat with either proclimate radicalism (with lower RWA) or antiactivist radicalism (with higher RWA). Method: We conducted a longitudinal survey study across three waves (2023–2024) with a representative sample in Germany (N = 1,003 complete observations). As indicators of climate change-related threat, we measured climate change impairment and perceived lack of climate-protective behavioral control; radical responses were operationalized as support for radical climate protest or radical responses against climate activists. Statistical analyses included latent change score models and moderation analyses using structural equation modeling. Results: Longitudinally, changes in climate change impairment positively predicted changes in support for radical climate protest, particularly with lower RWA. Conversely, changes in perceived lack of climate-protective behavioral control positively predicted changes in support for radical responses against climate activist, particularly with higher RWA. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the antagonistic reactions to climate change-related threats. Support for radical climate protests or opposition depend on the different facets of perceived climate change-related threat in line with one’s ideological orientation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing societal polarization and overcoming psychological barriers to effective climate protection. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)