Psychological Factors and Terrorism

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Kenyatta University *

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119

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Psychology

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Nov 24, 2024

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Uploaded by CoachLightningLlama13

1 Psychological Factors and Terrorism Student Instructor Institution Course Date

2 Comparison and contrast of psychological factors and terrorism Terrorism is a complex phenomenon that has garnered significant attention from psychologists, who have sought to understand the underlying motivations and processes behind such acts of violence. While there is no single definition of terrorism that is universally accepted, most definitions include the use of force or violence against civilians or non-combatants for the purpose of achieving political or ideological goals. One psychological approach to understanding terrorism focuses on the role of individual psychological factors. According to this perspective, individuals who engage in terrorism may do so due to personal grievances, a desire for power or status, or a need for meaning or purpose in their lives (Bjørgo, 2011). Research has also suggested that individuals who engage in terrorism may have underlying mental health issues, such as depression or personality disorders, that contribute to their involvement in such activities. Researchers and, by extension, politicians have long since disproved the concept that those who engage in violent political action in general and terrorism, in particular, are mad or otherwise mentally defective. Though this hypothesis keeps popping up in media depictions of terrorist events, it has been thoroughly disproven. The concept of profiling people who could be terrorists has come under fire. However, it is still widely utilized, especially by law enforcement, and it is often used along the following three dimensions: racial-physical, psychopathological, and socio- economic. Racial-physical profiling is the practice of using an individual's race or physical appearance as a basis for suspecting that person of committing a crime. This type of profiling is controversial because it is often based on stereotypes and biases, rather than on actual evidence or behavior.

3 When it comes to terrorism, racial-physical profiling can be particularly harmful. For one thing, it can lead to the wrongful targeting of innocent people who are simply exercising their right to freedom of movement and expression (Bjørgo, 2011). This can result in the violation of their civil liberties and the erosion of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Additionally, racial-physical profiling can be counter-productive in the fight against terrorism. By focusing on certain racial or physical characteristics, law enforcement may overlook individuals who do not fit those profiles, even if they pose a genuine threat. This can lead to missed opportunities to disrupt terrorist plots and protect the public. Hence it is unlikely that racial origins of a person may cause them to commit terrorism acts . Another psychological approach to understanding terrorism emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors. According to this perspective, individuals may be more likely to engage in terrorism if they feel excluded, or if they are exposed to extremist ideologies or social networks that promote violence. Research has also suggested that individuals who are exposed to violence or trauma in their personal lives may be more prone to engaging in terrorist activities. One important social factor is the level of social cohesion within a society. When there are deep divides between different groups, such as along racial, ethnic, or religious lines, it can create a sense of frustration and alienation among some individuals. This can make them more susceptible to extremist ideologies that offer a sense of belonging and purpose, and that call for violence as a means of addressing perceived grievances. Cultural factors can also be important in shaping terrorist activity. For example, certain cultural practices or beliefs may be used to justify or legitimize terrorism. In some cases, terrorists may draw on cultural symbols or narratives as a way of rallying support and recruiting followers.

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4 Additionally, cultural norms and values can influence the tactics and methods used by terrorists, such as the use of suicide bombings in some Middle Eastern societies. A third psychological approach to understanding terrorism focuses on the role of cognitive and emotional factors. According to this perspective, individuals who engage in terrorism may be motivated by negative emotions, such as anger or frustration, or by a desire to avenge perceived injustices. They may also be influenced by cognitive biases and distorted thinking, such as black- and-white thinking or a tendency to view the world in terms of good and evil. One cognitive factor that has been identified as important in the context of terrorism is the presence of extremist ideologies. These ideologies often involve extreme beliefs about the nature of the world and the need for violent action to achieve certain goals (Maskaliūnaitė., 2015). They can be appealing to individuals who feel disenfranchised or marginalized, and who may be seeking a sense of belonging and purpose. These ideologies can also be reinforced through group dynamics and socialization within terrorist groups. Emotional factors can also be important in the development and maintenance of terrorist ideologies and behaviors. For example, individuals who join terrorist groups may be seeking to avenge perceived wrongs or injustices, or to defend their communities or values. Negative emotions such as anger, fear, and resentment can also be exploited by terrorist recruiters to mobilize individuals to join their cause. In addition to influencing an individual's decision to join a terrorist group, cognitive and emotional factors can also influence their level of commitment and involvement in terrorist activities. For example, individuals who are deeply committed to a terrorist ideology may be

5 more likely to participate in violent actions or to engage in martyrdom. This can be influenced by factors such as group dynamics, cognitive biases, and emotional arousal. Three additional psychological elements, however, stand in stark contrast to the idea that terrorist acts stem from a troubled mind. Terrorism may be motivated by altruism, criminality, or narcissism. Based on everything we've discussed thus far, we may conclude that characteristics like personality, life events, and the political climate around these topics are at the heart of the explanation. First, noble cause terrorists are people or organizations that employ violent means to further what they see as a worthy cause. These people could think their acts are legitimate because they are protecting others or because they are standing up for a cause they believe in. Multiple justifications may be given for the concept of noble cause terrorism. Some may claim that the use of force is necessary to achieve particular goals; for instance, some may believe that the fight for freedom or justice requires the use of force. Other people may believe that political involvement and civil disobedience are ineffective and that more drastic action is required. Achieving social or political change by violence and terrorism, however, is neither a successful nor ethical strategy. Innocent bystanders are often hurt by terrorist attacks, which may then spark a vicious circle of revenge. It may also cause social strife and conflict by undermining democratic norms and the rule of law. People or organizations that participate in terrorist acts for the sake of financial gain are guilty of criminal terrorism. Terrorists are those who threaten governments or private businesses with violence in order to gain financial or political concessions. Terrorism might be used to further their own illicit goals, such as drug or weapons trafficking.

6 The danger that criminal terrorists represent to public security and safety is real. Their acts have the potential to damage innocent individuals and spread fear and instability across communities. They also have the potential to sow discord and even spark civil war among communities, undermining democratic norms and the rule of law. Narcissistic terrorism takes its name from the personality disorder of the same name, which is marked by an inflated feeling of self-importance, an inability to empathize with others, and an intense need for praise and approval. It has been theorized that there may be a connection between narcissism and terrorism. Narcissism's place in extreme ideologies is one possible link between the two conditions. Some studies have shown that narcissism may be a predictor of extremist behavior, and that those who hold extremist ideas may be more narcissistic than those who do not (Kleinot, et al., 2017). This may be due to the fact that people with narcissistic traits are more inclined to believe that they are the most important thing in the world and that their cause is the most justifiable thing in the world. Narcissism may also be linked to terrorism because of the part it plays in radicalization and recruiting. Extremist organizations typically attract narcissistic people by promising them a feeling of belonging, purpose, and power. Narcissistic people may be more interested in assuming positions of power within these organizations and more inclined to participate in dangerous and perhaps lethal activities in an attempt to enhance their own sense of self- importance and popularity.

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7 It's crucial to remember that narcissism isn't always a motivating element for terrorist acts, and that there are likely to be many other variables at play. More study is also required to determine the full scope of the connection between narcissism and terrorism. Despite these different psychological approaches to understanding terrorism, it is important to recognize that the motivations and processes behind such acts of violence are complex and varied. In many cases, individuals who engage in terrorism may be influenced by a combination of individual, social, and cognitive factors (Kleinot, et al., 2017). Therefore, it is important to consider a range of psychological perspectives when attempting to understand and address the problem of terrorism. In summary, psychologists have defined the concept of terrorism in a variety of ways, with a focus on the use of force against civilians. Different psychological factors have been identified as contributing to why people engage in terrorism, including individual psychological factors, such as personal grievances or mental health issues; social and cultural factors, such as social isolation or exposure to extremist ideologies; and cognitive and emotional factors, such as negative emotions or distorted thinking. It is important to recognize that the motivations and processes behind terrorism are complex and varied, and that a range of psychological perspectives must be considered in order to fully understand and address this phenomenon.

8 References Bjørgo, T. (2011). Dreams and disillusionment: Engagement in and disengagement from militant extremist groups. Crime, law and social change, 55(4), 277-285. Lloyd, M., & Kleinot, P. (2017). Pathways into terrorism: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, 31(4), 367-377. Maskaliūnaitė, A. (2015). Exploring the theories of radicalization. International Studies. Interdisciplinary Political and Cultural Journal, 17(1), 9-26.

Psychological Factors and Terrorism

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