The Psychological Impact of Terrorism on Collective Identity and Social Behavior in Pakistan

Abstract

Terrorism has remained a persistent challenge in Pakistan, leaving profound psychological consequences that extend beyond individual trauma to shape collective identity and social behavior. This study examines how prolonged exposure to terrorist violence influences fear, trust, social cohesion, and patterns of collective behavior within Pakistani society. Drawing on psychological theories of collective trauma, social identity, and fear conditioning, the article analyzes how recurring incidents of violence contribute to heightened anxiety, social polarization, and altered perceptions of “in-groups” and “out-groups.” The research further explores how fear and insecurity affect public trust in social institutions, normalize defensive social behaviors, and, in some cases, increase susceptibility to radical narratives. By focusing on the interplay between terrorism, collective psychology, and social responses, the study highlights the long-term psychosocial costs of violence and emphasizes the need for trauma-informed public policy, community-based mental health interventions, and inclusive narratives to restore social cohesion. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of terrorism’s impact on societal psychology in conflict-affected contexts such as Pakistan.