The psychological dimension of living with fear of terrorism: Social identity, existential anxiety, and media influence

The purpose of this research was to investigate various dimensions of fear, terrorism, existentialism, and the wider societal implications of fearing terrorism, as well as examine the mechanisms influencing such fear and review existing literature. To achieve these objectives, the study recruited eight participants who are therapy patients and reside in Greater London and employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as the analytical method.

The study revealed that fear of terrorism encompasses multiple dimensions, influencing individual experiences, media portrayals, and societal narratives, leading to a variety of coping mechanisms being adopted by individuals. There are many ways in which fear manifests, including feelings of entrapment and uncertainty, anger-driven responses, and a desire for security. Further, participants' narratives highlighted the significance of media in shaping fear perceptions and fostering a culture of blame and scapegoating.

This study made original contributions to the literature, particularly regarding Eurocentric and hyper-militaristic comments, which shed light on societal ideology and attitudes having a pervasive effect on fear responses. Considering novel findings regarding hyper-militaristic comments in this study, it is imperative for future research to further examine the underlying factors that contribute to such perspectives. Understanding the factors influencing fear perceptions can help develop more targeted and effective strategies for addressing terrorism-related concerns and promoting safety, well-being, and resilience.