In the wake of terrorist attack hatred may mask fear
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Date
2001-09
Authors
Freyd, Jennifer J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy
Abstract
Reactions of anger, rage, and hatred in the wake of September 11 terrorist attack
are considered in light of the psychology of emotion and stress. Acknowledging
underlying grief and fear through self-reflection, writing, and social communication
is likely to reduce unchecked anger, rage, and hatred. Hate crimes may also
have some psychological bases in responses to stress called “flight-or-fight.”
When flight is not an option, identifying and hating an enemy may have had
evolutionary value for survival. This response creates harm in the current situation.
An alternative cooperative response to stress, called “tend-and-befriend” by
researchers, will be more helpful.
Description
Keywords
Terrorism, Traumatic stress
Citation
Freyd, J.J. (2002) In the wake of terrorist attack hatred may mask fear. Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, 2, 5-8. <http://www.asap-spssi.org/vol2i1b.htm> [Also published as: Misplaced anger may mask fear and sadness. [Op-Ed article] Register Guard, September 24, 2001, p. 9A.]