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Psychology and Law
2026. Vol. 16, no. 1, 223–239
doi:10.17759/psylaw.2026160114
ISSN: 2222-5196 (online)

An integrative model of terrorism victimology: an interdisciplinary approach

 
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Abstract

Context and relevance. The article considers the problem of terrorism victimology in the context of globalization and digitalization of society. Terrorism remains one of the most acute threats to the security of society and the state, which determines the relevance of developing a victimological approach to the study of this phenomenon. Objective. To develop a comprehensive approach to the analysis of the victimological aspects of terrorism, including psychological, social and information factors. Hypothesis. Effective victimological prevention of terrorism is possible only with a comprehensive consideration of the psychological, social and information factors influencing the process of victimization of potential victims of terrorist activities. Methods and materials. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study was formed by scientific works of domestic and foreign authors in the field of terrorism victimology. The materials contained in the UN report “Handbook on Children Recruited and Exploited by Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups” for 2017, which summarizes the results of socio-psychological studies of individuals exposed to extremist propaganda, were used as secondary empirical data for the analysis. This study is theoretical and does not include an experimental component. The leading approach to the study of the problem is an interdisciplinary approach. The work also involved methods of analysis, synthesis, system analysis, typology, modeling, and a comparative method. Results. A comprehensive approach to the analysis of victimological aspects of terrorism has been developed, including psychological, social, and information factors; An integrative model of victimological prevention of terrorism has been created; A dynamic typology of potential victims of terrorism has been proposed; Modern mechanisms of recruitment and involvement in terrorist activities have been analyzed. Conclusions. Practical recommendations for improving measures of victimological prevention have been proposed.

General Information

Keywords: victimology of terrorism, radicalization, prevention, integrative model, psychological portrait, recruitment mechanisms, digital victimization

Journal rubric: Interdisciplinary Studies

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2026160114

Received 02.02.2025

Revised 10.04.2025

Accepted

Published

For citation: Cheryavko, E.J., Mayboroda, E.T. (2026). An integrative model of terrorism victimology: an interdisciplinary approach. Psychology and Law, 16(1), 223–239. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2026160114

© Cheryavko E.J., Mayboroda E.T., 2026

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Evgeny J. Cheryavko, Junior Research Associate, Research Institute for Advanced Urban Development, St.Petersburg, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9826-0109, e-mail: ont@myrambler.ru

Elvira T. Mayboroda, Candidate of Science (Philosophy), Associate Professor, Department of Theory and History of Law and State, Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation, St.Petersburg, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6091-7430, e-mail: ellamaiboroda@mail.ru

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