Navigating Violent Extremism: Family Impact, Belief Systems, and Reintegration Strategies

Session Submission Type: Pre-arranged Panel

Abstract

As societies grapple with the complexities of violent extremism, research continues to expand beyond perpetrators to examine its broader impacts and evolving manifestations. This panel brings together interdisciplinary perspectives to explore extremism’s effects on families, belief systems, digital threats, and post-incarceration reintegration.

The first paper delves into the experiences of family members of homegrown violent extremists, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of radicalization within households. Through life-history interviews, the study underscores the need for family-centered mental health support, stigma reduction, and tailored interventions.

The second paper investigates the evolution of conspiracy beliefs and their link to violent extremism over time. Using six-wave longitudinal survey data and parallel latent growth curve modeling, this study identifies key risk and protective factors influencing extremist attitudes and behaviors, offering valuable insights into ideological trajectories.

The third paper shifts focus to the digital sphere, analyzing cyberattacks by animal and earth-motivated extremists. Drawing from the Extremist CyberCrime Database (ECCD), it examines trends in attack methods and targets, shedding light on how ideological actors exploit online infrastructure to further their causes.

Finally, the fourth paper addresses the reintegration of incarcerated violent extremists, assessing challenges and best practices for community supervision. Synthesizing findings from literature reviews, expert interviews, and practitioner workshops, this study offers practical guidance for managing extremist offenders post-release.

Together, these papers provide a multifaceted understanding of extremism, bridging personal, ideological, digital, and correctional perspectives. This panel invites discussion on the intersection of radicalization, belief systems, cyber threats, and policy solutions, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to prevention, intervention, and reintegration.

Subtopic

• Topic 2: Types of Offending / Terrorism and Terrorism Financing, Radicalization, Extremism (Radicalization, Extremism, Terrorism WG)

Chair

• Erin Kearns, University of Nebraska Omaha/NCITE

Individual Presentations

• Coping with radicalization in the family: An examination of the grief experiences of family members of homegrown violent extremists. - Karyn Sporer, University of Maine

• Assessing Animal and Earth Motivated Cyberattacks Using the ECCD - Thomas J. Holt, Michigan State University

• Managing the Exit of Incarcerated Violent Extremists in the Community - Erin Kearns, University of Nebraska Omaha/NCITE