Group Psychology
Various psychologists have sought to explain through research on how group psychology functions and how it affects behaviors of groups. A group has an influence on the way people live and act. This paper focuses on how groups contribute to the origins of terrorists based on various readings and discussions on the psychology of groups.
Groups impose unwritten norms, exaggerate, warp people’s decisions and draw their psychological identity and strength. The group also provides people a sense of belonging and support in times of need. Terrorist groups therefore originate from this phenomenon. People then make decisions to join such groups because of the above reasons. The bandwagon effect influences most of the people. They want to be like their colleagues and this leads them to joining such groups without thinking of the consequences. They also want to feel a sense of belonging. If they get the feeling that they will be accepted the thought will compel them to join.
Psychological identity is yet another important factor that motivates individuals to join these terror groups. Some people believe that joining such movements provides them social and psychological rewards such as adventure and heightened sense of identity.
There is also a sense of security in being in a group. Many of the terror organizations operate as a group. They have many members who coordinate and work together to accomplish their terror activities. When terrorists are in a group, they feel this sense of security and therefore they can engage in different activities because they have other people who they support on and can count on in case of a problem. This therefore motivates them and makes them to have the energy and vigor to engage in their criminal activities.
The effects on individual members are the reasons that group have strength and influence. People’s mind and psychology is easily transformed through the influences of groups. The actions of terrorist groups are a clear indication of the importance that the group is associated with. It provides a sense of security belonging and provide members with psychological identity.
Reference
DeAngelis, T. (2009). American Psychology Association: Understanding terrorism. Retrieved from: http://www.apa.org/monitor/2009/11/terrorism.aspx