ABSTRACT
Although many people may feel marginalized, treated unfairly, and discriminated against, only a few express these frustrations through violence. Likewise, there are many who are hopeless, isolated, and suicidal that do not engage in extremist violence and instead looking for a personal escape from their chronic pain and despair. A cognitive opening is a vulnerability in a person that allows others with an extremist point of view greater access to radicalize an individual toward violence. The desire to end chronic pain and commit suicide is a primary factor in most attacks. A suicidal person looks for a justification for their death in their attack plan, rather than sending a message to others through a violent attack. When a radicalized individual or group embraces violence as a justified pathway to achieve their political, religious, or social goals, this can transform to extremism and terrorism.
