Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
06:42
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
[Seven psychosocial principles to explain terrorism].
Luis de la Corte1, Arie Kruglanski, Jesús de Miguel
1Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. luis.cortes@uam.es
Psicothema
|July 10, 2007
Summary
This research explores terrorism using a psychosocial approach, analyzing seven principles to explain the phenomenon. It suggests terrorism is a strategic political influence, with individual traits shaped by social dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Psychosocial studies
- Political science
- Sociology
Context:
- Existing research on terrorism often focuses on socio-structural or psychological variables, which can be insufficient or inaccurate.
- A psychosocial perspective offers a more comprehensive understanding of the terrorist phenomenon.
Purpose:
- To propose research approaches for understanding terrorism.
- To analyze seven principles of terrorism from a psychosocial viewpoint.
- To integrate psychosocial factors with existing socio-structural and psychological explanations.
Summary:
- Terrorism is framed as a strategy for political influence, where the psychological characteristics of terrorists are understood as outcomes of social processes.
- Terrorist actions and campaigns are viewed as strategic, albeit with limited rationality from the perpetrators' perspective.
- Organizational aspects of terrorism are analogized to social movements, focusing on ideological legitimization and resource mobilization.
Impact:
- Provides a nuanced psychosocial framework for analyzing terrorism.
- Offers insights into the strategic and social underpinnings of terrorist behavior.
- Enhances understanding of terrorist group organization and motivation.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
The development of psychological disorders, which are characterized by deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressing behaviors, has been explored through several theoretical approaches.
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
01:27Need for Self-Esteem
The human need for self-esteem has long intrigued psychologists, leading to the development of several theories that explore its evolutionary and functional significance. Among the most influential are the sociometer, hierometer, and terror management theories. Each offers a unique perspective on why people strive for self-worth and how it shapes behavior and social interaction.Sociometer TheoryAccording to sociometer theory, self-esteem functions as an internal gauge of social acceptance. It...
01:29Dark Triad and Person Perception
Person perception is influenced by both external behaviors and the observer’s internal characteristics, including personality traits. Individuals with dark personality traits, comprising psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism — collectively known as the dark triad – exhibit manipulative and exploitative tendencies in social contexts. These traits affect how they perceive others and how they are perceived.The Role of Dark Personality Traits in Person PerceptionBlack et al. (2014) explored...
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
01:24Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent patterns of disregard for the rights and well-being of others. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder exhibit behaviors that include deceitfulness, impulsivity, irresponsibility, aggression, and a profound lack of empathy. These traits often manifest early in life and persist into adulthood, leading to significant personal, social, and legal consequences.
Behavioral Characteristics and...
Behavioral Characteristics and...
01:29Personality Theory by Eysenck and Eysenck
Hans and Sybil Eysenck developed a widely recognized theory of personality, which emphasizes the role of temperament and genetically based differences in shaping individual traits. Their theory posits that biological factors primarily determine personality and can be understood through two main dimensions: extroversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability.
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...