Bombing and psychopathy: an integrative review

A review of the research on the motivations and behaviors of bombers is presented. The methodology consisted of a computer search of eight databases, book reviews, and telephonic interviews with local and federal law enforcement. The data were then compared to the substantial research on psychopathy. The authors conclude that a federally funded research effort is necessary, and should incorporate various structured interviews, history gathering, and psychological and physiological tests of incarcerated bombers, theoretically guided by the concordance between the known motivations and behavior of bombers and the concurrent and predictive validity of the construct, psychopathy.