JOURNAL ARTICLE

Religion, mental health, and terrorism: Public perception.

  • Published In: Assessment & Development Matters, 2023, v. 15, n. 4. P. 27 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Wildsmith, Leah; Vaughan Williams, Thomas James; Herbert, Summer 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines how the religion and mental health status of terrorists influence public perceptions of their culpability and mental illness. Using a pilot study with 156 participants, the research found that the religion and gender of a terrorist significantly affected whether the public viewed them as mentally ill, with male and Muslim perpetrators more likely to be perceived as mentally disordered compared to female and Christian perpetrators. The study highlights that public biases, potentially fueled by media and societal narratives, may lead to false assumptions linking terrorism with mental illness based on religious background. While prior research shows mixed evidence on the relationship between mental health and terrorism, this study emphasizes the need for further large-scale research to better understand these perceptions and their underlying causes.

Additional Information

  • Source:Assessment & Development Matters. 2023/12, Vol. 15, Issue 4, p27
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Diplomacy and International Relations
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:2040-4069
  • DOI:10.53841/bpsadm.2023.15.4.27
  • Accession Number:174155535
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