Chapter
Suicide Terrorism (IN: Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention of Suicidal Behavior, edited by R I Yufit & D Lester)
Merari A
This chapter discusses suicide terrorism, first looking at this phenomenon in various cultures. The prevalence of suicide terrorist attacks is discussed next, followed by a profile of suicide terrorists including information on demographic characteristics, religion, revenge for personal suffering, & personality factors & psychopathology. The main elements that prepare an individual for suicide terrorism are discussed – indoctrination, group commitment, personal commitment, & public support. The chapter concludes with a discussion of coping with the psychological effects of suicide terrorism. (50 refs.)