Paris

I’m moved to write something about the events in Paris over this weekend.

My own response is one shared by many, which is of immense sadness and horror that innocent people going about their business could be murdered so brutally. Eating in a restaurant, going to a gig, watching sport, seeing friends or family. These are freedoms we must protect and not let a small number of people take away from us or restrict. My heart goes out to all the survivors, the injured, the bereaved and the traumatised.

Does psychology have anything to offer at such times?

The answer is most definitely ‘yes’ when it comes to the mental health consequences that will become apparent for those affected by these events in the next few weeks and months. A great deal of support, compassion and treatment will be needed.

But what of the murderers themselves? What can we learn about their psychology and behaviour that will be of help? It may be tempting to write them off as mindless, but my instinct is that this would not be accurate. They were well-trained, organised, and cunning. They are also absolutely sure they are right to destroy Western values, people they view as non-believers and worthless, and to commit suicide for the promise of martyrdom. We talk about radicalisation now but we used to talk about ‘brainwashing’ of people who belonged to cults. Their world view would become so distorted that they would be prepared to act in ways most other people would reject. This is a process that takes time, which means we can bring people back from such extremes if they are receptive. Most people would understand that Islam is love, and that most religions promote peace. The corrupted ideas and narratives of these cults can be challenged within our communities and families. Change the ideas and you change the behaviour.

So now, more than ever, promote the values of France:

Egalite, fraternite, liberte.