The Role of Trauma in the (Violent) Radicalization Process among Adolescents and Young Adults: Clinical Experiences in Belgium

• In Event: EXTREME Panel 1. Youth and radicalization

Abstract

Several years after a series of terrorist attacks, Belgium continues to face a non-negligible threat level (CUTA, 2025). Although the past decade has seen a surge in research exploring the phenomenon of extremism and the process of radicalization, several questions remain regarding the motivations and factors involved in radicalization (Coolsaet, 2019; Neumann, 2021; Da Silva et al., 2024).

It appears that the trauma dimension is gaining particular interest (Kasinathan & Parsons, 2025 ; Lewis & Marsden, 2021; Rolling et al., 2022). It must be acknowledged that this aspect has been somewhat neglected, or even underexplored, in terms of its role in extremism. Indeed, various forms of trauma have been identified, emerging at different stages of the radicalization process—before, during, or after—including both individual traumas and intergenerational traumas deeply rooted in certain communities (Barker & Riley, 2022).

Our study explored several psychological and social factors that support an intention to radicalize and an approval of radicalization (Moskalenko & McCauley, 2009). A total of 746 young people (48.5% female, Mage = 17.27), from diverse backgrounds and educated in Belgium, completed a self-assessment questionnaire on radicalization intention, radicalization approval, justice sensitivity, need to belong, search for meaning, and political interest and engagement.

In a complementary case study of a radicalized young adult, we examined the link between these factors and the dimension of trauma. Our clinical analysis highlights multiple forms of trauma associated with various perceived injustices. The connection between traumatic experiences, perceived discrimination, and adherence to radical beliefs has already been demonstrated in several studies. Thus, adopting a radical belief serves to provide a sense of security, reduce experienced stress, and offer cognitive relief (Campelo et al., 2018; Rolling et al., 2022).

Based on these findings and our experience as frontline practitioner, targeted clinical interventions and preventive measures will be discussed.

Authors

• Anton Vereshchagin, University of Liège

• Fabienne Glowacz, University of Liege