Terrorists, Victims And Society: Psychological ... Apr 2026
Radicalization often involves "black-and-white" thinking—a dichotomous worldview where the group is "good" and all others are "evil." This enables the dehumanization of victims , reducing the psychological barriers to committing violence.
Many individuals are drawn to extremist groups to satisfy a deep-seated need for validation, identity, or community, particularly if they feel marginalized or experience low self-esteem. Terrorists, Victims and Society: Psychological ...
The psychological study of terrorism reveals a complex ecosystem where the mindsets of perpetrators, the trauma of victims, and the anxieties of the broader society are inextricably linked. Rather than viewing terrorism solely as a political or military challenge, experts like Andrew Silke and Randy Borum highlight it as a profound psychological event designed to manipulate human emotion and behavior. The Psychology of the Perpetrator Rather than viewing terrorism solely as a political
Participation in terrorism can be seen as a way to achieve a "heroic" status or pursue perceived justice for social or political grievances. Impact on Victims and Survivors covert cells. Instead
The psychological toll on direct victims extends far beyond physical injury. The unpredictable and intentional nature of terrorist violence creates unique traumatic footprints:
Research increasingly challenges the stereotype of the "insane" terrorist. Most perpetrators do not suffer from severe psychopathology or personality disorders, as such traits would often hinder their ability to operate within disciplined, covert cells. Instead, the psychological drivers are often social and cognitive: