| According to the 2009 National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Report on Terrorism published March 19th 2010, the total number of individuals directly killed or injured as a result of terrorism in 2009 almost reached 48,000 worldwide. The number of fatalities due to terrorism climbed to approximately 15,000 in 2009 and 8,905 of the casualties were civilians including 826 children. Terrorism has turned into a global issue but psychology as a science is not prominent in the fight against terrorism, neither historically nor contemporaneously, although psychologists are qualified to help answer key questions about terrorist behavior, motivation, response and prevention (Wagner & Long, 2004). This project will contribute to the science of Psychology by exploring different roles clinical psychologists can play in counterterrorism. Different psychological models offering a conceptualization of the psychology behind terrorism are explored and hypotheses linking terrorism to mental illness are considered and various roles psychologists may play in counterterrorism are introduced, including developing risk assessment instruments, conducting different types of research, providing training for profilers and hostage negotiators, engaging in peace building and education, and consulting with the media. The goal of this project is to provide an overview and assist psychologists as they consider working in the area of counterterrorism. Based on the literature review a brochure for students and professionals was developed to draw attention to the issue and to summarize available career options. Responses from field consultants, conclusions and recommendations are discussed in the final part of the project. |
