Terrorism from the social psychology perspective

This bachelor thesis deals with terrorism from the social psychology perspective. It defines terrorism, its goals and its classifications. This thesis describes personal and group variables, which influence the formation of terrorism. It elaborates on some psychological approaches to terrorism and terrorist personality in the context of motivation, vulnerability, trauma and abnormality. In the context of the terrorist personality, this thesis deals with moral disengagement and the psychological profile of a terrorist. It continues with a chapter about terrorist group structure and dynamics, for example social influences on its members. Another part of the thesis is an outline for a qualitative research project. Its aim is to explore variables, which repeatedly occur in the life of the terrorist and which may play a role in the decision making process before joining a terrorist group. The emphasis is on important life changing events, which may also influence the formation of terrorism. Keywords: terrorism, terrorist personality, terrorist group, social psycholog