Terrorists meeting their victims: a case study of psychologists' experiences of former terrorists meeting survivors
| Pages | 216-225 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/17596591211270707 |
| Date | 28 September 2012 |
| Published date | 28 September 2012 |
| Author | Ian Gargan,Fíona Kelly Meldon,Cian Aherne,Noelle Fitzgerald,Jane McNicholas |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Sociology |
Terrorists meeting their victims: a case
study of psychologists’ experiences of
former terrorists meeting survivors
Ian Gargan, Fı
´ona Kelly Meldon, Cian Aherne, Noelle Fitzgerald and Jane McNicholas
Abstract
Purpose – Acts of violent extremism have become more regular in the past decade. Little research has
managed to analyse the interplay between the individuals who have carried out these acts and those
who have experienced them. By bringing two such groups together in direct contact with each other,
The Summit Against Violent Extremism (SAVE)offered a unique opportunity to explore the experiences
of former violent extremists and victims of terrorist acts. This article aims to focus on this initiative.
Design/methodology/approach – The article is designed to take the reader through the discussions of
three senior psychologists who attended SAVE to offer support to all involved. Their experiences and
insights were gathered, within a focus group, to develop themes with the aim to discuss and share.
Findings – Psychologists outlined social development, self-identity, family and peer groups as critical
to the development of extremist views and to the de-radicalisation of suchviews. It was reported that the
summit gave survivors a chance to express their anger in a positive setting but that this setting could be
improved for future summits. Challenges that faced the psychologists included the multi-lingual
environment and confidentiality issues.
Practical implications – The summit was seen as a successful means for developing an understanding
of those who have taken part in acts of extreme violence and terror.The psychologists provide practical
suggestions for future de-radicalisation of people in extremist groups.
Originality/value – The role of therapeutic psychologists in such a summit was viewed as critically
important as a support to both formers and survivors.
Keywords Terrorists, Victims, Peace, Support, Violent extremism, Resolution, Terrorism, Behaviour,
Violence, Conciliation
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
There have been numerous incidents of terrorism and violent extremism on a global scale, in
the past decade (Lutz and Lutz, 2008). The increase in the prevalence of suicide bombers,
radical extremists and ‘‘devoted’’ terrorists has lead to an amplified threat of violence in
today’s society. The psychological profile of such groups has been the subject of much
debate in the media and in disciplines such as psychology. It is believed that developing an
understanding of such groups may assist in decreasing the trend of extremist thinking.
Research has addressed a number of concepts in relation to terrorism including the make-
up of a terrorist’s profile, identification of the goals of mass violentacts and the development
of their willingness to end their life in pursuit of such goals (Ahmed, 2005; Locicero and
Sinclair, 2008; Stahelski, 2005).
Large scale attacks on commuter trains in Madrid in 2004, on a Russian middle school in
2004, and the suicide bombings in America on September 11 in 2001 and London in 2005 all
demonstrate the continuing threat that terrorism can pose (Lutz and Lutz, 2008). In order to
combat these events, the ‘‘South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission’’ (TRC) was
established in 1995 and the International Criminal Court was established in 2002 to cultivate
PAGE 216
j
JOURNALOF AGGRESSION,CONFLICTAND PEACE RESEARCH
j
VOL.4NO.42012,pp.216-225,QEmeraldGroup Publishing Limit ed, ISSN 1759-6599 DOI10 .1108/17596591211270707
Ian Gargan, Fı
´ona Kelly
Meldon, Cian Aherne,
Noelle Fitzgerald and
Jane McNicholas are all
based at Imagine Health,
Dublin, Ireland.
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