ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the nature and direction of psychological research, the criteria for identifying relevant content adhered to the principles of purposive sampling. Research examining the psychology of violent extremism has gathered momentum and grown substantially. As a relatively new field of research within the context of violent extremism, the scientific discipline of psychology has introduced new insights and ways of analysing the phenomenon. Efforts to counter violent extremism efforts have focused on countering the pull of radical propaganda and inoculating individuals who are at risk. The chapter analyses the literature review using thematic analysis to identify themes of interest from 2011 to 2015. It provides the directions of research on the psychology of violent extremism. An example of a risk assessment instrument is the Violent Extremism Risk Assessment developed by D. E. Pressman. The public plays an important role in countering violent extremism by reporting suspected violent extremism.
