The Problem of Overgeneralization: The Case of Mental Health Problems and U.S. Violent White Supremacists

• In Event: Radicalization and Terrorism

Abstract

Within the study of terrorism, one of the oldest and most controversial questions involves the mental health status of actors involved in this type of violence. The consensus among terrorism scholars is that terrorists do not suffer from mental illness and are otherwise well-adjusted individuals in terms of mental health. In this paper, we explore the relationship between mental health issues and terrorism by examining a sample of former violent U.S. white supremacists. Results indicate that a majority of the sample reported experiencing mental health problems either preceding or during their extremist involvement. Findings provide evidence for the ongoing need to examine mental health factors among a variety of terrorist organizations.

Authors

• Bryan Bubolz, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• Pete Simi, Chapman University