Free Psychological Theory Essay Sample

The definition of the terrorism can be easily summed up as the acts involving violence but at the same time a need emerges to analyze such human behavior on the basis of psychological theories to better understand the scenario. 

Based on the behavior the terrorist explicit physiologists have established various theories to understand this extreme kind of behavior of the man. Some of those theories are psychoanalytic theory, instinct theory and frustration-aggression theory. But all these theories are only able to make understanding of only a fraction of such behavior. We still need a more generalized and versatile theory which will enable us in understanding of the terrorism. Few of the established theories are discussed here in brief. 

Psychoanalytic Theory: The psychoanalytic theory is a one complete theory which addresses all the issues related to the violence. Despite of its intense influence on many authors it lacks in logical and theoretical foundation. According to Freud aggression is the key nature of human instinct which acts as an impulsive motivation in violent. Mullah Mohammad Omar who is the leader of Taliban operation in Afghanistan is the example of this theory. His aggressive nature is the most important cause of his violent activities.

The theory talks about extensively about the hidden violence inside the human which is totally natural but still it fails to incorporate other factors. The issues like influence of believers and surroundings are untouched in this theory. The theory is only a pure type of psychological analysis which is relevant in only the absolute condition of human mindset. Thus the theory fails when it comes to the implementation in the actual scenario.

Frustration-Aggression theory: the frustration and aggression are very co related issues. The basic assumption of this theory is that the frustration is in most of the cases succeeded by aggression. By carefully observing the behavior pattern a definite relation between the frustration and aggression can be established. This theory successfully interprets the cases in which behavior is restricted for desired results. Famous terrorist Osama Bin Laden is a vivid example of this theory. 

This theory also fails to incorporate all the features of the violent behavior. The frustration aggression theory only talks about the tendency of violence which emerges only because of the failure in the endeavored field. Thus this theory too fails in providing a general idea of the violence.

Above described two theories though successful in their assumptions fails in describing terrorism in a generalized manner. There are other pretty different instances of valance which includes self-hurting or extreme hate which is not covered by these theories.

In the exploration of cognitive theories, it's pertinent to delve into the concept of cognitive biases and their potential role in fostering extremist beliefs. Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias and selective perception, can contribute to the reinforcement of pre-existing extremist views, creating a cognitive echo chamber that sustains and intensifies radicalization. Moreover, examining the psychological impact of trauma and its correlation with terrorism adds a layer of complexity to our understanding. Instances of personal or collective trauma, whether arising from conflict, displacement, or other distressing events, may serve as catalysts for individuals to resort to violent means as a coping mechanism or as a response to perceived injustices.

The socio-cultural perspective, when expanded, should encompass the dynamics of identity formation within communities. The sense of identity, particularly when threatened or marginalized, can become a powerful driver for individuals to align themselves with extremist ideologies as a means of restoring a perceived sense of purpose and belonging. The digital realm's influence on terrorism demands a nuanced examination of online radicalization. This involves scrutinizing the role of social media platforms, encrypted communication channels, and virtual communities in facilitating the dissemination of extremist ideologies. The echo chambers formed in these digital spaces can intensify radicalization, making it imperative to consider online counter-radicalization efforts as part of a comprehensive strategy.

As we strive for a more encompassing theory, the integration of these detailed aspects—cognitive biases, trauma, identity dynamics, and the digital landscape—enhances our ability to comprehend the multifaceted nature of terrorism. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these factors is crucial for developing targeted and effective measures to counter radicalization and mitigate the risk of terrorist activities.

 

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