| ID | 113532 |
| Title Proper | Are suicide bombers suicidal? |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Brym, Robert J ; Araj, Bader |
| Publication | 2012. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Recent work by Ariel Merari argues that, while certain contextual factors increase the probability of suicide attacks, they do not explain why particular individuals become suicide bombers. Merari seeks to demonstrate that suicide bombers are motivated by an unusually high prevalence of depression and suicidal tendencies. This article questions the representativeness of Merari's sample. It raises the possibility that interviewer and contextual effects contaminated his findings. Finally, it presents evidence that challenges Merari's conclusions. This evidence is drawn from interviews with immediate family members and close friends of a 25 percent random sample of Palestinian suicide bombers who conducted attacks between 2000 and 2005. Based on their analysis, the authors question the value of a psychological approach to the study of suicide bombers and assert the importance of focusing on the political and social roots of the phenomenon. |
| `In' analytical Note | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol. 35, No.6; Jun 2012: p.432-443 |
| Journal Source | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol. 35, No.6; Jun 2012: p.432-443 |
| Key Words | Suicide Bombers ; Suicide Attacks ; Suicidal Tendencies ; Palestine |