Truth or Dare? Exploring the Importance of Factual Accuracy in Different Deradicalization Counseling Approaches

Abstract

Risk mitigation and recidivism reduction are typical goals of deradicalization and disengagement programs (DDPs). Arguably, identifying deception and disguised compliance by clients is key to achieve these goals. However, dissenting opinions among practitioners exist whether it should be a task for DDP counselors to detect deceit by clients. Concerns that placing such a task with DDP counselors might be counter-productive and antithetical to the overall goals and effectiveness of DDPs have been raised. This article makes a theoretical contribution to the debate around this question by exploring literature from psychotherapy, psychology, criminology and terrorism studies using a combination of meta-narrative and integrative literature review methodologies. It is argued that deception detection in the context of DDPs is not “good” or “bad” per se but depends on chronological (past, present, future) and methodological perspectives. Implications for DDP research and practice are discussed.