Behavioural scientists have devoted considerable attention to religious extremism and the psychological factors that contribute to an individual’s propensity toward violence. However, relatively little data are available on those who abandon extremism and become proponents of conciliation and peace.

Dr. Renee Garfinkel offers a number of tentative conclusions about individuals she has interviewed who have made this transition.

http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/sr186.html