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Psychology of the Terrorist: An Interview with Jerrold M. Post

NCJ Number
198045
Journal
Journal of Trauma Practice Volume: 1 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2002 Pages: 83-100
Author(s)
Jerrold M. Post M.D.; Stephen N. Gold Ph.D.
Date Published
2002
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article presents an interview with Dr. Jerrold Post, a psychiatrist who specializes in political psychology, concerning the psychology and profiling of terrorists.
Abstract
The author explains that knowledge of the mentality of terrorists may help trauma workers assist the victims of violent terrorist attacks. Thus, in an effort to further the education of trauma practitioners, the author presents an interview with Dr. Jerrold Post who is a specialist in the study of terrorist psychology and the profiling of terrorists. A key theme of the interview is that, according to Dr. Post, terrorists do not operate within a vacuum, but instead rely on a socio-political context that supports their politics and their activities. Thus, it is not only a matter of understanding the psychology of individuals, it is also a matter of grasping the socio-political context in which the violence occurs. Dr. Post also points out there are many different types of terrorists, thus the study of their psychology becomes a study of their many psychologies. Terrorists may be criminals, they may be mentally ill, or they may be crusaders fighting for a particular cause. Dr. Post notes that understanding the psychology behind terrorism may help victims of terrorist acts who are struggling to make sense out of the violence. References

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