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Are suicide bombers heroes?

¹Psychology Program, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Jimmie Leeds Road, Pomona, NJ 08240-0195, USA. lesterd@stockton.edu

Psychological Reports

|June 8, 2010

Summary

This study applies heroism criteria to suicide bombers, suggesting they may align with heroic archetypes, particularly male bombers. The research explores controversial parallels between extreme actions and traditional heroic definitions.

Area of Science:

Psychology
Sociology
Behavioral Sciences

Background:

Heroism is often defined by specific criteria, including self-sacrifice and altruism.
Previous research has explored the psychological underpinnings of heroic behavior.
Understanding the motivations and perceptions of individuals engaging in extreme acts is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze suicide bombers through the lens of established heroism criteria.
To investigate whether specific groups, such as male suicide bombers, meet these criteria.
To stimulate debate on the definition and application of heroism.

Main Methods:

Qualitative analysis of existing literature on heroism criteria (Blau, et al., 2009).
Comparative analysis of behavioral patterns and motivations of suicide bombers against these criteria.

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Theoretical argumentation based on the application of the criteria.

Main Results:

Suicide bombers, particularly men, may exhibit characteristics aligning with proposed heroism criteria.
The study highlights potential overlaps in self-sacrifice and perceived group benefit.
The findings challenge conventional notions of heroism.

Conclusions:

The definition of heroism may require re-evaluation in light of extreme behaviors.
Societal and psychological factors influencing both heroism and suicide bombing warrant further investigation.
This controversial perspective necessitates careful consideration and further research.