NCJ Number
111695
Date Published
1987
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This position paper considers whether psychologists are in a position to improve understanding of an ability to deal with terrorism and its effect.
Abstract
Six categories of potential psychological contributions are examined: terrorist profiles; the nature, timing, and effects of terrorist acts; the behavior of terrorists, victims, and negotiators during terrorist incidents; the prediction and prevention of terrorist acts; the effects of terrorism on victims; and psychological assistance to victims. It is concluded on the basis of these analyses that psychologists have made a small, but useful, contribution to assessing the effects of terrorist acts on victims and have started to develop guidelines to assist victims in recovering from the traumatizing effects of such acts. Little has been added to the knowledge of the nature of terrorists or terrorist groups. Although there are many descriptions of the nature and timing of such acts, there has been little in the way of systematic, professional, psychological analysis. Similarly, terrorist and victim behavior and the psychology of negotiations require more systematic analysis. Prediction and prevention issues also have not been adequately addressed. It is suggested that, for purposes of psychological analysis, acts of political terror and nonpolitical criminal violence should be separated. A research agenda is outlined, and practical obstacles to conventional psychological research into terrorism are identified. 4 tables, 40 references, and 52-item bibliography. (Author abstract modified)