In the Wake of 9/11: The Psychology of Terror

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In the Wake of 9/11 explores the emotions of despair, fear, and anger that arose after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in the Autumn of 2001. The authors analyze reactions to the attacks through the lens of terror management theory, an existential psychological model that explains why humans react the way they do to the threat of death and how this reaction influences their post-threat cognition and emotion. The theory provides ways to understand and reduce terrorism�s effect and possibly find resolutions to conflicts involving terrorism. The authors focus primarily on the reaction in the United States to the 9/11 attack, but their model is applicable to all instances of terrorism, and they expand their discussion to include the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This fascinating book has practical implications and will be an irreplaceable resource for mental health practitioners, researchers, and anyone concerned with the causes and effects of terrorism.

SYNOPSIS

Pyszczynski, Solomon, and Greenberg (all: psychology�at the U. of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Skidmore College, and the U. of Arizona, respectively) apply the conceptual framework they developed to explain a superficially disparate range of reactions to the attacks of September 11, 2001. Owing a debt to the work of cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker, their Terror Management Theory posits that "human beings' highly sophisticated capabilities render us aware of the utter fragility of life and the absolute inevitability of death." This leads to a susceptibility to terror that, combined with cultural worldviews that are themselves symbolic solutions to the problem of death, lends itself to the inability of humankind to tolerate those who do not "subscribe to their death-denying cultural constructions." Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Nicholas Greco IV, MS (Abbott Laboratories)Description: This book successfully explores the wide range of emotions, reactions, and motives surrounding the 9/11 attacks through the psychological model of Terror Management Theory. The authors also provide rational suggestions for potential solutions to terrorism. Purpose: The purpose is to present the authors' own Terror Management Theory as a means for understanding the motives and psychological forces that led to the horrific events of 9/11. Additionally, the purpose is to potentially reduce the incidence of future terrorist attacks and instill greater awareness and knowledge in the reader. In light of the past events and the continued hostility ever present in our world today, these undoubtedly worthy objectives are fully met by the authors.Audience: The book is written primarily for academic and clinical psychologists; however, this book is straightforward and can be of great benefit to those outside the field of psychology. The three authors are extremely credible authorities in the field and have considerable expertise as evidenced by their ideas, opinions, and insights. Features: The reader is given an introduction to Terror Management Theory supported by more than 15 years of empirical research. This theory then provides the knowledge necessary to understand the psychological impact of 9/11 and the acts of terrorism. Chapter highlights include Managing the Terror (essential reading for psychologists), The Roots of Islamic Terrorism, and In the Wake of 9/11: Rising Above the Terror. These specific chapters along with the rest of the book take anhonest look into terrorism and the destructive aftermath to present the reader with a timely collection of ideas and reflection on one's own life.Assessment: This pioneering book is quite possibly the finest and most significant addition to the field this year. Exceptionally well-written, timely, and applicable across many interdisciplinary fields, this book exemplifies the contributions psychology can make to our everyday lives. This book is required reading for everyone interested in gaining a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Booknews

Pyszczynski, Solomon, and Greenberg (all: psychologyat the U. of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Skidmore College, and the U. of Arizona, respectively) apply the conceptual framework they developed to explain a superficially disparate range of reactions to the attacks of September 11, 2001. Owing a debt to the work of cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker, their Terror Management Theory posits that "human beings' highly sophisticated capabilities render us aware of the utter fragility of life and the absolute inevitability of death." This leads to a susceptibility to terror that, combined with cultural worldviews that are themselves symbolic solutions to the problem of death, lends itself to the inability of humankind to tolerate those who do not "subscribe to their death-denying cultural constructions." Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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