ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the psychology underlying various approaches toward terrorist rehabilitation. It examines the some models of disengagement and deradicalization to provide insight into the mechanisms through which rehabilitation programs can achieve deradicalization. The 3N perspective identifies a nexus of three factors, referred to as the 3Ns—psychological needs, ideological narratives, and social networks—that facilitate radicalization. Together, the push/pull and 3N frameworks provide important insight into terrorist rehabilitation programs. The major difficulty for rehabilitation programs is identifying successful ways to facilitate the disillusionment. Rehabilitation efforts of Islamic extremists have often included religious counseling or religious re-education programs. Rehabilitation efforts that work with detainees and prisoners can expand the non-radical social network, but are often limited in the extent to which they can foster new, meaningful relationships. In addition to providing alternative routes to significance, rehabilitation programs should address former militants’ deficits in significance.
