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The Practice of Correctional Psychology pp 219–233Cite as

Assessing and Treating Radicalized Offenders

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Abstract

When compared to the bodies of evidence that have been developed for various subtypes of offenders, the extent of the knowledge surrounding radicalized offenders is in its relative infancy. However, great strides have been taken since 9/11 to develop a more comprehensive understanding of radicalization and ideologically-motivated violence in general, and in the correctional context specifically. Efforts to realize robust theoretical frameworks of the dynamic, individual radicalization process have resulted in avenues of inquiry for psychological assessment, options for multi-disciplinary intervention, and hope for effective and successful reintegration. While a significant amount of empirical examination and verification remains to be completed and replicated, lessons learned to date offer insight, options, and caveats for correctional service delivery personnel.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The exception to the findings regarding psychopathy are lone-actors, who have been found to have a significantly higher rate of mental illness as compared to group-based radicals or the general population at large (Corner & Gill, 2015; Horgan, 2008). Lone actors, or “lone wolves” are single actors who use violence linked to a formulated ideology, whether their own or that of a larger organization, and who do not receive orders, direction, or material support from outside sources (UNODC, 2016).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Branch Correctional Service Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Yvonne Stys

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  1. Yvonne Stys
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS, Canada

    Marguerite Ternes

  2. George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

    Philip R. Magaletta

  3. Psychology Department, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS, Canada

    Marc W. Patry

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Stys, Y. (2018). Assessing and Treating Radicalized Offenders. In: Ternes, M., Magaletta, P., Patry, M. (eds) The Practice of Correctional Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00452-1_10

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