Introduction

Behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapists and researchers have much to offer a society dealing with the aftermath of terrorism or mass violence. The purpose of this special series is to identify several areas in which behavioral scientists can provide recommendations for the amelioration or prevention of suffering, with specific emphasis on the aftereffects of September 11, 2001. Empirical evidence in several of these areas is reviewed, and suggestions are presented for ways in which we may effectively deal with the survivors of terrorism, the family members of those injured or killed in terrorist attacks, the children across the country who are exposed to descriptions of terrorism, and potential terrorists themselves.