"An Explorative Study on the Psychosocial Dimensions of Terrorism"

Abstract

Acts of terrorism are on an increase across the globe in general and within the nation in specific. Each act of terrorism could be reckoned as the implicit index of peace and psychological status of the community in which it happens. An exploration into these psychosocial factors of one of the most dreadful manmade disasters- terrorism is logical in terms of both social urgency and academic significance. This study is an attempt to uncover various psychosocial aspects of terrorism. Sample consists of 210 adults from urban and rural area. A questionnaire consisting of closed end questions was prepared by the investigators and was used for data collection, and descriptive statistical techniques were performed for data analysis. Results of this study are under two sections; first section explains perceived causal factors of terrorism, namely perceived social injustice, antisocial behavioral patterns, traumatic childhood experiences, financial insecurity, family atmosphere, strong passion towards ones' religion or ideology and failure of country's defense system. This result also reveals that there is no prominent factor that alone can lead an individual to terrorism. The second section explains the consequences and aftermaths of terrorism. It negatively affects positive mental health of community and social relations like feeling of insecurity, over-sensitivity, hyper-alertness, fear, social withdrawal, social isolation and Psychological distress. Findings of this study demand community mental health effort and conflict resolution as protective measures in the time of terror attacks and will help the people to cope with difficulties of this attack.