Psychological mechanism and the appeal of radical narratives: a mixed-methods study of terrorist convicts in Indonesia

Objective Studies on radicalization require a nuanced understanding of the narratives that legitimize violent actions, as well as the complex processes underlying radicalization, in order to formulate effective and targeted counter-radicalization strategies. Method To address this gap, a mixed-methods approach was conducted using the 3N Model of Radicalization and Identity Fusion Theory as a theoretical framework. A total of 41 convicted terrorists (97.6% male; M = 39.0 years, SD = 10.47; age range = 24–59 years) across Indonesia agreed to participate in this study. Participants were affiliated with Negara Islam Indonesia (NII), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). Results Quantitative results indicated that loss of significance, extremist narratives, networks, and identity fusion (with group, leader, and ideology) were significantly correlated with activism and radicalism intentions. Qualitative thematic analysis enriched the findings by revealing distinct patterns in narratives and strategies that emerged across the different groups. JI members were older, more educated, and motivated by collective grievances and ideology, with less violent narratives. In contrast, JAD and NII members often experienced personal crises (loss of significance) that were linked to quest for significance as the driver toward radicalization and more violent adherence to Takfiri narratives. Conclusion These findings highlight that radicalization pathways vary based on group context—JAD favors rapid recruitment via social media, JI emphasizes long-term ideological dissemination, and NII relies on passive indoctrination. This nuanced understanding can inform tailored, evidence-based counter-radicalization programs sensitive to group-specific dynamics.