Lone-Wolf Terrorist Personality Profiles

Abstract

Lone-wolf terrorism involves individuals who commit politically or ideologically motivated violence without direct support from organized extremist groups. These actors differ from structured terrorist cells because they rely on self-radicalization, online propaganda, personal grievances, and individual psychological motivations. This study examines personality traits and psychosocial factors associated with lone-wolf offenders through conceptual analysis and hypothetical cross-national data. Key predictors include identity crises, perceived social marginalization, moral disengagement, grievance-based anger, and obsessive ideation rather than clinical mental illness. Findings indicate diverse personality profiles, with no single dominant trait pattern; instead, pathways reflect intersecting psychological vulnerabilities and environmental triggers. The study proposes a non-profiling ethical framework for early behavioral intervention.