Psychology of Terrorism

"Psychology of Terrorism is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the psychological roots of modern terrorism. Its profoundness is overshadowed only by the impressive line of international experts it hosts from the field of psychology. The volume deals with the issue of modern terrorism in a way unprecedented in academic literature. Issues such as the psychology of mass mediated fear, psychological resilience, and effects of exposure to terrorism are thoroughly researched and presented with utmost clarity. With its rare and unique perspective on modern terrorism, this volume helps map the roots of some of the most burning problems of the post-Sep. 11th world. Anyone interested in understanding what drives people to become suicide terrorists should read this book."--Isaac Ben-Israel, Major General (Retired), Professor and Director of Security Studies, Tel Aviv University<br> "An outstanding and timely publication. It should be read by all practitioners, regardless of their discipline. It provides the most up-to-date behavioral science perspective on the psychology of terrorism in a practical format. The volume editors and contributors are truly world class scholars."--Pat DeLeon, former President, American Psychological Association<br> "A comprehensive and thorough review of an emerging discipline that can only grow in importance in the future. It could well be the most relevant topic of our time."--Elizabeth Holmes, American Board of Professional Psychology, Captain, Medical Service Corps., United States Navy (Retired), Center for the Study of Professional Military Ethics<br> "The contents of this volume provide an incredibly valuable and vital resource. The work ofthese contributors will enable our profession to more readily step forward and engage in research and clinical endeavors aimed at reducing both terrorist threats and the accompanying psychological consequences. Although I rue the need for this excellent resource, I remain grateful for it."--From the foreword by Gerald P. Koocher, President, American Psychological Association (2006)<br>

I.INTRODUCTION - THE PSYCHOLOGY OF TERRORISM; 1. The Psychology of Terrorism: Defining the Need and Describing the Goals; 2. Mind Control in Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four: Fictional Concepts Become Operational Realities in Jim Jones's Jungle Experiment; 3. Psycolgical Issues in Understanding Terrorism and the Response to Terrorism; 4. The Need for Proficient Mental Health Professionals in the Study of Terrorism; 5. War Versus Justice in Response to Terrorist Attack: Competing Frames and their Implications; II.TERRORISM; 6. The Staircase to Terrorism: A Psychological Exploration; 7. Terrorism and the Media; 8. What is Terrorism? Key Elements and History; 9. Suicide Terrorism; 10. The Strategy of Terrorism and the Psychology of Mass-mediated Fear; III.CONSEQUENCES OF TERRORISM; 11. The Rise of Religion, Spirituality and Faith-Based Community in Coping with Acts of Terrorism; 12. Psychological Consequences of Actual or Threatened CBRNE Terrorism; 13. Psychological Weapons of Mass Destruction through Vicarious Classical Conditioning; 14. Near-and Long-term Psychological Effects of Exposure to Terrorist Attacks; 15. The Response to Relief Organizations to Terrorist Attacks: An Overview of How the Red Cross and Other Relief Organizations Work in Conjunction with Other Agencies; 16. Understanding How Organizational Bias Influenced First Responders at the World Trade Center; 17. Warfare, Terrorism, and Psychology; IV.ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT; 18. Terrorism Stress Risk Assessment and Management; 19. Evidence-based Interventions for Survivors of Terrorism; 20. Neurobiological and Behavioral Consequences of Terrorism; Distinguishing Normal from Pathological Responses, Risk Profiling, and Optimizing; Resilience; 21. Older Adults and Terrorism; 22. Children and Terrorism: A Family Psychoeducational Approach; 23. Cultural Considerations: Caring for Culturally Diverse Communities in the Aftermath of Terrorist Attacks; 24. The Psychological Consequences of Terrorist Attacks; V.PREVENTION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN REACTION TO ACTS OF TERRORISM; 25. Defusing Terrorism of Terror; 26. Psychological Resilience in the Face of Terrorism; 27. Promoting Resilience and Recovery in First Responders; 28. Integrating Medical, Public Health, and Mental Health Assets; 29. Reflections on the Psychology of Terrorism; APPENDIX: Resources in Psychology of Terrorism; GLOSSARY