Terror Management Theory

Terror management theory (TMT) asserts that human beings have natural tendency for self-preservation if there is threat to one’s well–being (Greenberg, Solomon, & Pyszczynski, 1997). It notes that we are the cultural animals that pose self-awareness on the concept of past and future, as well as the understanding that one day we will die. We concern about our life and death but aware that it is unexpected by everything. The worse matter is that we become aware of our vulnerability and helplessness when facing death-related thoughts and ultimate demise (Pyszczynski & Greenberg, 1992). The inevitable death awareness or mortality salience provides a ground for experiencing the existential terror, which is the overwhelming concern of people’s

The functionalist perspective is one of the classical paradigms in sociology and was the prevalent perspective until the 1970s. Functionalism is most closely associated with Emile Durkheim (often referred to as the founding father of functionalism) but has also received crucial contributions from other theorists including Talcott Parsons, Herbert Spencer, and Robert K. Merton. Functionalism offers a macro approach to understanding society and views macrostructures as the pillars of social order. The paradigm views society as a smooth-running system with various parts that possess specific functions, of which can both destroy or maintain social stability. The concepts of manifest and latent functions uphold an important role in the theory,

Perceptions, beliefs, and ideas are ever changing. It is through social construction that humans have constructed definitions and accepted understandings out of surrounding concepts, thus allowing them to make a socially accepted concept that can be utilized as a baseline of understanding. Galbin (2015) defines social constructionism as, “a theory of knowledge of sociology and communication that examines the development jointly constructed understanding of the world” (p. 48). Additionally, White (2014) points out that social construct is the “way people view reality” (p. 4), or how things really are to the human understanding. Social constructions are among all walks of life and are continuously

The study of terrorism and the terrorist is not something belonging to any particular discipline. What does forensic psychology have to offer?

Terrorism is a difficult issue to understand and grasp for many people. What is even more difficult to understand is what drives an individual to become radicalized to the point of joining a terrorist organization and committing terrorist acts. While there is not specific criteria or a “cookie cutter” approach to understanding what motivates and radicalizes an individual to participate in such atrocities, there are however, several psychological and behavioral factors that have been common among these individuals. The following paper will outline some of the psychological and behavioral factors that attribute to an individual’s radicalization and eventual willingness and even perhaps

The ever evolving subject of terrorism and terrorists is the subject of significant study worldwide. The psychological and behavioral factors involved in terrorism are one of the most studied issues. It has implications across the board for both the detection and deterrence of terrorism. How terrorists communicate and the influence that it plays in growing terroristic ideology, mission, and goals are also of significant importance, as well.

We are often surrounded by people who drive recklessly. When driving recklessly terror management theory comes into play. Terror management theory also known as (TMT) “[reminds] people of their own mortality and activates terror management mechanism.” Basically it is “awareness of one’s own mortality… [which can] be manifested in anxiety and terror” (Ari et al. 2003). When driving recklessly people do not always think of the consequences of what might happen all they think about is that precise moment and the rush of adrenaline that’s running through their system. Which eminently makes them feel “on top” of the world. At times friends, family members, even society are the ones that to a certain point (give you that push to want to drive a

It was a snowy Friday at a Planned Parenthood facility, when shooter, Robert L. Dear, had the intention of killing. It has not been said weather this was related to a mental disorder but many would assume something is wrong, if this was his motive. Insanity is something that is usually linked to killings and other crimes of such. But it has not been released yet, if this was his mental state. There are also many other factors and mental disorders that are common in killings. I’m not a psychologist and this is my first psychology course, but personally, I think that this killer had an Antisocial personality disorder that can also be known as a form of psychopathy. People with this disorder can act in violent ways and show no remorse which is related to this case because his motive for this is not clear. There was no reason for this to occur.

Psychology of Terrorism, as stated in its title, focuses on analyzing the psychology of terrorism. It is in short a compilation of many essays that are conveniently separated under particular themes such as the psychology of terrorism, terrorism, and the psychological effects of it. The last two sections can be summarized on how to combat terrorism. I believe they will all be invaluable contributions to my essay. Some of the main aspects include a general idea of what exactly is terrorism and why it is such an effective political weapon against a nation, the immediate and long-term psychological effects of terrorism, and the role the media plays in collateral damage in further amplifying the psychological damage of the already vulnerable victims of terrorism. The importance of this book is to provide

Lester Holt there was a deadly terrorist attack in Paris. A gunman opened fire on police officers killing one and leaving the other two injured. The gunman was using a military grade gun. After the terror attack ISIS claimed that they sent the gunman. A few days earlier two men were arrested upon suspicion of an attack to disrupt the election, another gunman was shot and killed outside of the louvre. Sociology and terrorism go hand in hand. When an act of terrorism occurs sociologists study how the nation responds to the event. We are currently on high alert due to North Korea testing nuclear bombs. The U.S. currently has spy planes that are monitoring any move made by the country. President Trump claims that we are in good terms with North Korea

When discussing theoretical perspectives regarding terrorism, conflict theory perspective and functionalism perspective come to mind. Functionalism states that behaviors accompanied by societal institutions can be used to bring about change (Barkan, n.d.).. Whereas the conflict theory focuses on an organization’s presence, or lack thereof, that allows opportunities for continuous confrontation.

The unfortunate portrayal of Muslims through the media, marginalises and misrepresents the Muslims community. The media has introduced a distorted and unbalanced image of Islam and Muslims, describing their religion as radical and violent, and portrayed followers as a group of brutal barbarians. Although the media exposes Muslims as all terrorists, the minority of the Muslim community are hidden behind the scenes, waiting for someone to speak up.

“Sociology had little to tell the world about the nature and causes of organized attacks by civilians against other civilians” (Roche, 2004), attacks such as the event that took place September 11th, 2001 caught the interest of sociologist and implored them to turn their attention to the subject of terrorism. “Terrorism is a form of collective violence”, against civilians, critical infrastructures, or natural resources, in an attempt to pursue a political agenda (Roche, 2004). The word terrorism Extremist and extremist groups are those that commit acts of violent extremism and have very different ideologies than those they have targeted. The definition of terrorism is broad and changes from agency to agency and even government. All terrorists

Have you ever had a fear for your family, your town, your country, or your world. How about the fear to have everything taken from you, destroyed, and not caring if it has hurt you or not? What about your fear and pain is, and can be someone else’s happiness? The fear of you being terrorized? That is terrorism. Someone else bringing fear and terrorizing you. That is a terrorist’s goal. Terrorism is common and is very difficult to stop. The government promises protection for the people, and their home, but they can not give that protection if they can not stop terrorism. Terrorism needs to stop to protect the live of the people, and their country.

Self-awareness enables you to be "who you really are", take responsibility for your behavior and get up the courage to initiate changes.