The Psychology of Political Terrorism

Emotions and terrorism research: A case for a social-psychological agenda

“…Consistent with this and with the exchange approach to justice, the severity of a perceived injustice is likely to affect individuals' emotional, psychological, and behavioral reactions (Hegtvedt & Johnson, 2000). For example, Hegtvedt & Markovsky (1995) find that individuals who experience outcomes that are out of alignment with what is expected are likely to experience negative emotions, especially when coupled with a perception that he or she is not responsible for the non-proportionality (a tendency which has been advanced with regard to terrorists, vis-à-vis external attribution) (Crenshaw, 2004). Relatedly, perceptions of relative deprivation in social interactions are thought to produce psychic discomfort (Tittle, 1995).…”

Life story accounts of left wing terrorists in India

“…2-3) described the 9/11 attackers as follows: of pathological personalities in terrorist groups and the few disordered persons who may have been located are found to be fringe members rather than central characters. (Rasch, 1979;Lyons & Harbinson, 1986;Crenshaw, 1983). There have also been attempts to categorise terrorists into personality 'types' and to identify particular personality predispositions that attracts individuals to a terrorist ideology.…”

Terrorists and Democrats: Individual Reactions to International Attacks

“…A substantial political science literature focuses on terrorism in general and its specific implications for democracies, foreign policies, and international relations (e.g., Freedman, 1983;Guelke, 1998;Kegley, 1990;Kummamoto, 1999;Nacos, 1996;Tanter, 1999;Volkan, 1999;White, 1997). There is also a growing body of literature on psychological factors underlying terrorism and responses to terrorist acts (see, e.g., Crenshaw, 1986Crenshaw, , 1992Crenshaw, , 2000. This literature suggests that the public often thinks of terrorists as not fully representative of their nation of origin.…”