Citation

Vandevoorde J, Estano N, Painset G. Neuropsychiatr. Enfance Adolesc. 2018; 66(5): 267-276.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.neurenf.2018.02.004

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objectifs: This paper aims to examine what the psychological motivations for converting to an orthodox religion and/or violent ideology could be. We do not assimilate every religious conversion as a criterion of dangerosity, but we will focus on the religious "varnish" applied on some discourse as a means to a violent ideology and use of violence.

METHODS: The authors developed their hypothesis about the psychological functions underlying a rigorist religious conversion and/or adhesion to violent views. They elaborated that hypothesis using different sources from a literature review dealing with the topic of radicalization and from case studies of individuals who underwent a psychological assessment.

RESULTS: Seven psychological functions of the orthodox religious conversion were isolated: one of identity, one of framework, one as a counterdepressive, a protective one, an anti-enigma, one of social bonds, and finally one of sensational experiences. The presence of suicidal and melancholic aspects is confirmed by analysis of case studies although their clinical display differs from the classic presentation usually met.

CONCLUSIONS: A thorough analysis of the religious conversion history is important in order to contextualize ideological modifications which took place in the individual psyche. Those conversions have specific functions for every individual and deserve to be analyzed and evaluated during a risk threat assessment and/or for the therapeutic orientation. © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS

Language: en

Keywords

human; violence; Homicide; suicide; Terrorism; Suicide; Radicalization; Religion; motivation; mental disease; psychological aspect; psychologic assessment; religion; terrorism; ideology; hypothesis; Mass murder; Article