Involuntary celibacy: A brief history of the ‘Incel’ movement,and clinical considerations for psychiatrists

Abstract

Objective

This viewpoint paper explores the development of a new online subculture known as involuntary celibates or ‘incels’. The emergence of this online community will be discussed, with reference to foundations within the wider men’s rights movement. The incel worldview, core beliefs underlying this culture, demographics and how this ideology relates to mental illness, personality construct and offending behaviour will be explored. Illustrative scenarios are provided of clinical situations where psychiatric assessment of incel ideology can provide valuable insights and inform healthcare and risk assessment. Lastly, consideration will be given as to how incel culture and beliefs may impact young Australians.

Conclusions

The incel movement is a concerning phenomenon of relevance to psychiatrists. We offer some clinical recommendations for those working with young men expressing incel-related beliefs.

Keywords

involuntary celibacy incel forensic psychiatry

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