Prolonged and Isolated Terrorist Attacks: What You Need to Know

Post 1 

Gregory 

Hello Gregory.Nice post. It is evident that people who suffer the most from prolonged terrorist attacks are civilians, who suffer both physically and psychologically. Most people who experience these terrors have come to accept their effects as a day-to-day activities. This has affected their self-identity and self-esteem, which is an unfortunate occurrence to have to accept terrorism as normal launched by the Hamas (Silke, 2003) . It is believed that acts of prolonged terrorism cause both long-term and short-term mental disorders in the victims. 

The most common psychological effects of prolonged attacks are constant fear, anxiety, and depression (Thoresen et al., 2014). In isolated attacks, there is no anticipation for the attack, and it surprises the victims. Although both cases are brutal, I believe isolated attacks cause more suffering to the mind as they often result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). What is more dangerous, the physical or psychological effects of terrorism? 

Post 2 

Kyle 

Great post, Kyle, on the psychological effects of prolonged terrorism and isolated attack. I agree with your point that the level at which these tragedies tend to affect individuals is relative, and it depends on one's perspective in life, characteristics, and life experiences (Canetti et al., 2013). While some people experience adverse Post Traumatic Stress, others are barely affected by this. I agree that most people with PTSD are victims of isolated attacks. This is because the tragedy was an abnormal occurrence in their lives. On the other hand, prolonged terrorist attacks caused one to develop normalcy and acceptance of violence. 

It is accurate that this trauma affects almost everyone and the only difference is their ability to deal with it. It is evident that individuals become more resilient when the attacks happen regularly, based on coping mechanisms such as habitual denial and distancing (Maguen et al., 2008) . What are some of the coping mechanisms used by people suffering from PTSD resulting from isolated attacks? 

References 

Canetti, D., Hall, B. J., Rapaport, C., & Wayne, C. (2013). Exposure to political violence and political extremism: A stress-based process.  European Psychologist ,  18 (4), 263–272. https://doi-org.proxy-library.ashford.edu/10.1027/1016-9040/a000158 

Maguen, S., Papa, A., & Litz, B. T. (2008). Coping with the threat of terrorism: A review.  Anxiety, stress, and coping ,  21 (1), 15-35. 

Silke, A. (Ed.). (2003).  Terrorists, victims, and society: Psychological perspectives on terrorism and its consequences . https://redshelf.com 

Thoresen, S., Jensen, T. K., & Dyb, G. (2014). Media participation and mental health in terrorist attack survivors.  Journal of traumatic stress ,  27 (6), 639-646.