Individuals' appraisal and coping in face of extreme, unexpected and potentially stressful man-made events: the case of terrorism

With the recent attacks from terrorist groups in various locations in Europe and worldwide, the social uncertainty associated with the future occurrence of these events is increasing, representing a source of stress that is... [ view full abstract ]

With the recent attacks from terrorist groups in various locations in Europe and worldwide, the social uncertainty associated with the future occurrence of these events is increasing, representing a source of stress that is becoming less episodic and more chronic. It is therefore essential to study this evolving risk perception of terrorism, by assessing its dynamic and social aspects as evidenced by individuals’ reactions to the events. The internet and social media are a particularly rich data source to collect these reactions, given their timely, spontaneous and natural expression (Gaspar et al, 2016). Accordingly, our study assessed individuals’ appraisal/representation of events (directly or indirectly) attributed to terrorism, through a qualitative analysis of comments to online media news concerning: the decapitations performed by Daesh, the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 crash and the Paris attacks. Moreover, threat coping expressions were identified - in cognitive, emotional and behavioral dimensions - representing reactions to events of this nature. This type of analysis allows identifying indicators of adaptation (coping) to current and future perceived risks from terrorism and the perceived existent and future resources available to cope, that may allow providing individuals with the necessary personal and social resources to effectively cope with them.