Author ORCID Identifier
0009-0003-4262-0929
Date of Award
12-13-2023
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
John Horgan
Abstract
Disengagement from violent extremism is a challenging time of transition and turbulence. It requires change, adaptation, and in some cases a complete reconstruction of identity. However, reentry into mainstream society may be hindered if stressors seem insurmountable. No framework or validated measure currently exists to assess stressors that extremists experience during or after disengagement. For this study, 10 former extremists and six practitioners working with this population were interviewed. A reflexive thematic analysis was used to summarize topics and explore underlying themes. This resulted in an exploratory framework of post-exit distress and coping and seven themes: (1) “It’s a Lot.” - Post-Exit Stressors, (2) From 24/7 Movement to... "Now What?”, (3) Milestones Missed During Involvement (4) Continued Negative Impact From Involvement, (5) From Public to Private Battle, (6) “Nobody Gets it,” Except..., and (7) Coping: Balance Instead of Extremes. While these findings are exploratory, they can inform practitioners and later become the basis for a needs assessment tool.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/36397157
Recommended Citation
Meredith, Katharina, "After They Leave: A Thematic Analysis of Post-Exit Distress and Coping in Former Violent Extremists." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2023.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/36397157
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