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VOL. XX, Issue 2

Referral Pathways and Clinical Profiles among Individuals Involved in Violent Extremism and Violent Nihilism

This study describes the clientele of a specialised clinical programme addressing violent extremism (VE) and violent nihilism (VN) and examines whether referral source is associated with differences in ideological, clinical, and psychosocial profiles. Data from 170 individuals referred between 2016 and 2024 were extracted from medical charts. Variables included referral source, type of VE or VN, mental health and legal history, diagnoses, grievances, and social integration. VN was the most frequent presentation and was more often referred by health services, whereas religiously inspired VE was more frequently referred by security agencies. Security referrals were more likely to involve prior criminal offenses. Diagnostic profiles and grievance patterns were similar across referral sources. VE and VN emerge within trajectories marked by psychological vulnerability and cumulative grievances. Referral pathways reflect both institutional logics and evolving forms of polarisation. Results highlight the need for clinically oriented, multi-actor responses beyond security-based approaches. They also underscore the importance of assessing not only whether social ties exist, but how they function in relation to distress and identity.

 

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About ICCT

The International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) is a think-and-do tank based in The Hague, Netherlands. We provide research, policy advice, training and other solutions to support better counter-terrorism policies and practices worldwide. We also contribute to the scientific and publi.…