Abstract
Incels are a group of men on the internet who want to have sex but cannot access it and blame women for this. Incels hold misogynistic views, including encouraging violence against women. Incels predominantly socialise online using forums such as Reddit and 4Chan, and often experience social isolation and loneliness. Incels have also been found to experience significant difficulties with their mental health including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. However, Incels are unlikely to access psychological therapy due to fear of judgement and may rely on support from online forums which can act as echo chambers which further entrench their Incel views. This thesis explores Incels, who wish to reform their views. use of an online forum to seek advice, as well as Clinical Psychologists conceptualisations of working therapeutically with Incels. Part A involves a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis of online posts on a reforming Incel reddit forum. In particular, the research focussed on Incels motivations and experiences of ‘exiting Inceldom’ using an online forum, how reforming Incels support and advise each other, as well as how they make sense of the relationship between their mental health and Inceldom within the online forum. Part B includes a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis of Clinical Psychologists perceptions of Incels and working therapeutically with men who demonstrate Incel views using a story completion method, including whether they recognised Incel views, how Clinical Psychologists understood and made sense of Incel views, and how they construct a representation of working therapeutically with an Incel. Findings indicate that Incels are vulnerable individuals which may make them more vulnerable to the indoctrination of Incel views and would benefit from psychological therapy. Clinical Psychologists would like to offer support and compassion to Incels, however there is also concern about the risk of extremism and personal risk to female Clinical Psychologists, potentially impacting the ability to form a strong therapeutic relationship.