Deradicalisation of terrorists : a psychological perspective

Abstract

Much of the previous theoretical discussions pertaining to the deradicalisation of extremists and terrorists have been discussed from political science and sociological perspectives (e.g. Mullins, 2010; QIASS, 2010). However psychological research has much to contribute in this area. This paper attempts to provide a better understanding of this process from a psychosocial perspective. The main research questions in this paper were: What are the concepts of deradicalisation? What is the underlying psychology of terrorism (radicalisation, involvement and deradicalisation)? How relevant are the existing deradicalisation and rehabilitation programs (DRPs) to the dynamics of radicalisation? What are the potential areas of improvement in DRPs?

A literature review was conducted to analyse the theories related to radicalisation and deradicalisation of Islamic terrorists. The results of this review showed that a) deradicalisation and rehabilitation programs (DRPs) across many countries have similar emphases but to vary in content; b) due to a lack of criterion clarity, the evaluation of DRP efficacy has been a challenge; c) there is no one-size-fit-all intervention and that DRPs should be tailored to individual detainees; and d) one potential advancement in approach is the use of psychological counselling and therapy techniques. Recognising the potential contributions of psychology, this paper believes that more can be done to better inform future deradicalisation efforts.