Psychological Vulnerabilities and Propensities for Involvement in Violent Extremism. (20th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Borum, Randy; Busch, Kenneth G.; Schouten, Ronald; Weissman, Sidney H.; Felthous, Alan R.
• Is Part Of: Behavioral sciences & the law. Volume 32:Number 3(2014:May/Jun.)
• Page Start: 286
• Page End: 305
• Publication Date: 2014-03-20
• Subjects: Mental health laws -- United States -- Periodicals; Psychology, Forensic -- Periodicals; 347.3044405
• DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0735-3936

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Research on the psychology of terrorism has argued against the idea that most terrorist behavior is caused by mental illness or by a terrorist personality. This article suggests an alternative line of inquiry – an individual psychology of terrorism that explores how otherwise normal mental states and processes, built on characteristic attitudes, dispositions, inclinations, and intentions, might affect a person's propensity for involvement with violent extremist groups and actions. It uses the concepts of "mindset" – a relatively enduring set of attitudes, dispositions, and inclinations – and worldview as the basis of a psychological "climate, " within which various vulnerabilities and propensities shape ideas and behaviors in ways that can increase the person's risk or likelihood of involvement in violent extremism. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.</p> </abstract>