Psychosocial Factors in Radicalization: The Role of Mental Health, Trauma, and Resilience in Vulnerability to Extremist Recruitment

Special Event Invitation: https://www.gctievent.org/ai-model

Abstract

At the Global Counter-Terrorism Institute (GCTI), I examine how psychosocial factors—particularly mental health, trauma, and resilience—contribute to individual vulnerability to radicalization. The Price-Oquindo DTM? model, developed at GCTI, emphasizes these psychosocial elements as critical to terrorism risk assessment. This paper draws on established research and offers in-depth insight into how mental health challenges, trauma, and resilience influence susceptibility to extremist recruitment. Through GCTI’s initiatives, I illustrate that addressing these psychosocial vulnerabilities can mitigate the appeal of extremist ideologies and fortify defenses against radicalization.

Introduction

Research increasingly indicates that psychological factors are as influential as socio-political and economic drivers in understanding terrorism risk. Historically, studies on terrorism have focused on political and economic conditions, but recent evidence underscores the role of psychosocial factors—mental health, trauma, and resilience—in shaping vulnerability to radicalization. The Price-Oquindo DTM? model, which I implement at GCTI, incorporates these psychosocial factors (PSF) to assess terrorism risk. This approach aligns with existing literature indicating that psychological well-being critically shapes an individual’s openness to extremist narratives, especially when coupled with socio-political disillusionment or personal crisis.1

Mental Health and Radicalization: Understanding Vulnerability

Mental health issues—including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—are now recognized as contributing factors to radicalization. Research shows these conditions can impair judgment, increase susceptibility to manipulative narratives, and lead individuals to seek purpose or community in radical ideologies.2 For example, Bhui et al. found that individuals experiencing psychological distress are more likely to sympathize with extremist ideologies, particularly if they lack adequate mental health support.3

The Price-Oquindo DTM? model’s integration of mental health reflects findings from Horgan, who argues that psychological vulnerabilities make individuals more susceptible to recruitment, especially when extremist groups frame violence as an empowering response to personal struggles.? Radicalization is often presented as a means to regain agency, control, or identity, particularly for those experiencing isolation or hopelessness. At GCTI, we incorporate mental health awareness into our counter-terrorism strategies by providing mental health support resources in vulnerable regions, following studies that underscore psychological support as a buffer against radicalization.?

According to Schmid, mental health programs aimed at reducing feelings of alienation and hopelessness are crucial for preventing radicalization in populations affected by socioeconomic stress or political marginalization.? This understanding guides GCTI’s initiatives, which focus on psychological counseling and community-based mental health support as preventive measures, aiming to reinforce psychological resilience against extremist influence.

Trauma’s Role in Extremist Recruitment

Trauma, particularly in conflict-affected areas, is consistently linked to radicalization. According to Speckhard’s research, individuals experiencing severe trauma, such as witnessing violence or losing loved ones, are more susceptible to extremist recruitment, as trauma often fosters resentment and a desire for revenge.? Such individuals may perceive radical ideologies as a pathway to justice or restored dignity, a sentiment extremist groups actively exploit.

The Price-Oquindo DTM? model considers trauma within PSF because trauma impacts psychological stability and can drive individuals toward extremist narratives. Trauma responses, such as hypervigilance and anger, can make extremist ideologies appear attractive as a means of regaining control.? This is further supported by Victoroff, who notes that trauma exacerbates vulnerability to recruitment, as trauma survivors may view violence as a means to resolve perceived injustices.?

GCTI’s trauma-related initiatives include recovery programs that provide therapeutic support, particularly in conflict zones. By collaborating with local mental health professionals, our work aligns with Crenshaw’s argument that trauma interventions reduce radicalization likelihood by offering healthier coping mechanisms.1? These efforts encompass psychoeducation and community workshops, recognizing that unaddressed trauma frequently fuels radicalization.

Resilience as a Preventive Factor Against Radicalization

Resilience, or the capacity to endure and adapt to adversity, has emerged as a critical factor in preventing radicalization. Sageman’s research on resilience in counter-terrorism demonstrates that individuals with high resilience are less likely to be drawn to violent ideologies, as they possess stronger coping mechanisms and social support networks.11 High resilience mitigates the impact of stress, trauma, and disenfranchisement, reducing susceptibility to radical ideologies that offer belonging or empowerment.12

Incorporating resilience into the Price-Oquindo DTM? model, we build psychological and social resilience within vulnerable communities. GCTI’s resilience-building initiatives involve community workshops and training programs, drawing from Masten, who highlights resilience as both a protective factor in mental health and a critical component in counter-terrorism efforts.13 These workshops reinforce positive social bonds, teach adaptive coping strategies, and foster a collective sense of identity and purpose that counters extremist appeals. Research by Grossman suggests that resilience-centered interventions are essential in communities with high radicalization risk, as these communities often lack institutional support to resist extremist narratives.1?

Conclusion: Addressing Psychosocial Factors for Effective Counter-Radicalization

The Price-Oquindo DTM? model’s integration of psychosocial factors represents a significant shift in terrorism risk assessment, recognizing mental health, trauma, and resilience as essential components. Empirical research supports the effectiveness of addressing these factors in reducing terrorism risk, as psychological vulnerabilities often serve as gateways to radicalization. My work at GCTI, informed by established research, focuses on mitigating these vulnerabilities through mental health support, trauma recovery, and resilience-building—vital components of a holistic counter-terrorism framework.

Addressing psychosocial dimensions enables GCTI to tackle radicalization at its roots. This model aligns with findings from Horgan, Sageman, and Crenshaw, who advocate for psychosocial interventions as a means of fostering long-term resilience against extremist narratives.1? The Price-Oquindo DTM? model, emphasizing PSF, is positioned at the forefront of these advancements, providing data-driven insights that guide policy and resource allocation in counter-terrorism efforts.

References

1 Bhui, Kamaldeep, et al. “Might Depression, Psychosocial Adversity, and Limited Social Assets Explain Vulnerability to and Resistance against Violent Radicalisation?” PLoS ONE 9, no. 9 (2014): e105918. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0105918.

2 Horgan, John G. The Psychology of Terrorism. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge, 2014, 118.

3 Bhui, Kamaldeep, Nasir Warfa, and Edgar Jones. “Is Violent Radicalisation Associated with Poverty, Migration, Poor Self-Reported Health and Common Mental Disorders?” PLoS ONE 9, no. 3 (2014): e90718. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0090718.

? Horgan, The Psychology of Terrorism, 118-121.

? Schmid, Alex P. Handbook of Terrorism Prevention and Preparedness. The Hague: ICCT, 2020, 223-225.

? Schmid, Handbook of Terrorism Prevention and Preparedness, 226-230.

? Speckhard, Anne, and Khapta Akhmedova. “The New Martyrs of Chechnya: Strategies for the Prevention of Female Suicide Terrorism.” In Female Terrorism and Militancy: Agency, Utility, and Organization, edited by Cindy D. Ness, 57-78. New York: Routledge, 2006.

? Speckhard and Akhmedova, “The New Martyrs of Chechnya,” 61.

? Victoroff, Jeff. The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda. New York: Columbia University Press, 2005, 142-145.

1? Crenshaw, Martha. Explaining Terrorism: Causes, Processes, and Consequences. New York: Routledge, 2011, 133-136.

11 Sageman, Marc. Leaderless Jihad: Terror Networks in the Twenty-First Century. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2008, 65-67.

12 Masten, Ann S. “Ordinary Magic: Resilience Processes in Development.” American Psychologist 56, no. 3 (2001): 227-238.

13 Masten, “Ordinary Magic,” 230-232.

1? Grossman, Michele, et al. “Harnessing Resilience Capital in Countering Violent Extremism.” Studies in Conflict & Terrorism 41, no. 9 (2018): 683-698. doi:10.1080/1057610X.2017.1338053.

1? Grossman, “Harnessing Resilience Capital in Countering Violent Extremism,” 687.

1? Horgan, John G., Marc Sageman, and Martha Crenshaw, eds. Handbook of Terrorism Prevention and Preparedness. The Hague: ICCT, 2020, 158-162.

Notice: All contents related to the Price-Oquindo DTM? model and its implementation are proprietary to Todd M. Price and Amber Oquindo. Protected by GCTI patent and copyright (2024).