Introduction

Terrorism involves the use of intentional violence and fear to provoke collective fear and uncertainty, causing psychological suffering such as PTSD, depression, and distress. Terrorist events, particularly during peacetime or war against non-combatants, often stem from subjective interpretations of the world influenced by beliefs and experiences. Terrorist organizations’ actions are influenced by these beliefs and experiences, resulting in widespread fear and uncertainty.

Psychological Effects of Terrorism on Children and the Youth 

Terrorism-induced trauma has effects on children’s mental health, including separation problems, PSTD, anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. Studies show a significant prevalence of these disorders, including anxiety and depression. These symptoms of PTSD sometimes do not improve instantly, these symptoms become clinically disabling, more persistent and more significant. As these children grow up into adulthood, these effects are long lasting and prove to be difficult to fix and heal from these traumatic events. These effects are similar to natural and man-made trauma; examples like can include natural disasters, accidents, violence and destruction.

Terrorism as a Threat to Humanity 

Terrorism syndrome is an important threat to humanity, involving illegal acts like violence and riots. Terrorism is characterized by specific traits and root causes, such as poverty or oppression, making it a psychologically meaningful entity. The idea of terrorism directs human rights negatively because no one has the right to the enjoyment of life in their area/country, no one has free liberty, and the physical rights of individuals are at risk. Terrorism is not just a word, but a significant threat to humanity. 

The Link Between Terrorism and Mental Health 

Terrorism is influenced by untreated mental health illness, causing severe emotional, behavioural, and physical health problems. The psychology of terrorism explores these variables and their consequences on individuals. Thus, indirect, or vicarious exposure, as it has been called, has become the focus of much research into the effects of terrorism on mental health. A recent review of the earlier research concluded as follows: At least 28 – 35% of people exposed to a terrorist attack may develop post-traumatic stress disorder.

Psychological suffering is usually more prevalent than physical injuries from a terrorist event. The consequence is critical to the nation’s efforts to develop intervention strategies at pre-event, event, and post-event phases that will limit the adverse psychological effects of terrorism. 

Conclusion

Terrorism is subjective, the actions of terrorist organisations are based on a subjective interpretation of the world rather than objective reality. Perceptions of the social environment are filtered through beliefs and attitudes that reflect experiences and memories.