The notion of fanaticism, especially when used in reference to actions involving self-destruction as a form of terrorism, is complex. Commonly held assumptions about the relationship between fanaticism and mental illness appear to be inappropriate. While clues to its underlying cognitive processes can be discerned from analyses of prejudice and authoritarianism, these alone still appear inadequate. To understand the nature of the concept, it is necessary to take into account the social and cultural context, as well as personal factors. The importance of these contexts is demonstrated in political acts that involve the self-destruction of the actor. Such acts might be deemed fanatical and may be associated with terrorism or at least a form of political violence. Self-immolation, hunger strikes, and suicide attacks such as those conducted by the Shi'ites and Kamikaze pilots elucidate difficulties with classifying such acts as fanatacism and highlight the ways group forces and contexts can contribute to the positive personal consequences of such acts. In such cases the term fanaticism does not seem particularly appropriate given the religious and social context. Rather, the ascription of the term fanatic is a process of labeling, not a description of qualities inherent in the individual. 33 references.