Risk factors for terrorism: a comparison of family, childhood, and personality risk factors among Iraqi terrorists, murderers, and controls

ABSTRACT

Terrorism represents a major threat to global security; however, psychosocial risk factors for terrorism are insufficiently explored in the literature. Using a cross-sectional design, we examined group differences in family, childhood, and personality factors, and attitudes towards terrorism among individuals convicted of terrorism (n = 160); those convicted of murder (n = 65); and a control group (n = 88). Using regression models, we consequently analyzed the risk factors for group membership, with a focus on terrorism. Compared to controls, terrorists had higher odds of persistent childhood disobedience, a conduct disorder factor, and endorsing statements on the causes of and justifications for terrorism, but lower odds of harsh treatment as a child. Murderers had greater odds of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), of endorsing statements on the causes of and justifications for terrorism, but lower odds of being easily provoked and harsh treatment before age 15. Compared to murderers, terrorists had higher odds of endorsing statements on the causes of and justifications for terrorism, but lower odds of ASPD, having a family member murdered, and being easily provoked. Although psychosocial risk factors for terrorism overlap significantly with violent criminal behaviors, certain factors may help distinguish terrorists from other groups. These factors merit further investigation.

KEYWORDS:

• Terrorism
• radicalization
• risk
• criminality
• mental disorder
• conduct disorder
• antisocial behavior

Acknowledgements

We appreciate the contributions of Drs. Kahlil Johnson and T. Bruce Shaver in reviewing the academic literature.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Saleh Dhumad is an independent consultant psychiatrist and cognitive behavioural therapist. He works in London, UK.

Philip J. Candilis is a Professor of Psychiatry at the George Washington University and Interim Director of Medical Affairs at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington DC.

Sean D. Cleary, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology in the Milken Institute School of Public Health. He is a psychiatric epidemiologist with research interests in adolescent risk and health behaviors including substance use and violence and associated impact on the transition to adulthood.

Allen R. Dyer is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Vice-chair for education at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He is part of the Global Mental Health program, working in disaster and conflict areas.

Najat Khalifa is an Associate Professor in Forensic Psychiatry at Queen’s University Department of Psychiatry in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

ORCID

Najat Khalifa http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2690-9736

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by the Ministry of Health - Iraq.