From Trauma to Terror: Applying the Well-Established Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Crime to Terrorism

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Crime and the Body: Biological, Psychological, and Emotional Considerations

Abstract

Terrorism is often analyzed through political, ideological, or social frameworks, but the role of early psychological trauma remains underexplored. This paper explores the connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and terrorism, focusing on how early trauma increases susceptibility to radicalization and violent extremism. While ACEs are widely recognized for their role in general criminal behavior, this paper extends the framework to analyze terrorism specifically. Through a trauma-informed lens, it examines how emotional dysregulation, insecure attachment, and cognitive impairments rooted in childhood adversity predispose individuals to extremist ideologies. Theoretical perspectives, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and social psychological models, are evaluated and integrated with ACEs research to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the pathways to terrorism. Case studies of known terrorists illustrate how unresolved trauma can manifest in politically motivated violence. Ultimately, the paper argues that addressing early trauma through psychological intervention and public policy is essential for preventing radicalization and reducing the risk of terrorism.

Author

• Lilliana Meredith Rosen, Marymount University