Evaluability Assessment and Development of Psychological-Behavioral Approaches to Prevent Terrorism and Facilitate Reintegration of Violent Extremists

• NCJ Number: 310465
• Author(s): Elena Savoia; Marcia A. Testa; Daisy Muibu; Max Su; Megan Mcbride; Jessica Stern; Johanna Hayes
• Date Published: 2025
• Length: 13 pages
• Grant Number(s): 15PNIJ21-GG-02727-DOMR
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored

Annotation

This study explores evaluability assessment and development of psychological-behavioral approaches to prevent terrorism and facilitate reintegration of violent extremists.

Abstract

This study, focused on the evaluability of the use of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for individuals under probation with a history of engagement in criminal extremism, found that when probation officers are made aware of DBT techniques, they judge them as relevant and potentially useful. To identify psychological interventions used for the deradicalization, disengagement, and reintegration of extremists, researchers conducted 1) a scoping review of scientific and gray literature and 2) interviews with professionals experienced in the design and/or delivery of psychological interventions. Based on the literature review and interviews with mental health providers, as well as interviews conducted with probation officers, researchers identified two issues for future evaluation design: 1) lack of probation officers’ awareness of specific psychological techniques, limiting potential access to mental health services by individuals who have a history of engagement in criminal violent extremism and have been released from jail; and, 2) lack of clarity on the type and qualifications of the professionals delivering interventions to these clients. Researchers identified several approaches used with criminal violent extremist clients. Of the 34 programs identified in the literature, 10 described in sufficient detail the type of psychological intervention used as part of the program. The interventions listed were emotional expression and cognitive flexibility skills training; aggression replacement therapy; functional family therapy; cognitive behavioral therapy; systems therapy; motivational interviewing, expressive therapy, and the House of Healing method. Additional programs mentioned mindfulness-based and trauma-informed approaches, as well as the use of counseling/therapy. The interventions most frequently mentioned by the interviewees and agreed to be useful were cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotional regulation/distress tolerance techniques, trauma-informed care and trauma therapy, and DBT.