Psychosocial Aspects of Violence (From Violent Behavior: Assessment and Intervention, V 1, P 85-94, 1990, Leonard J Hertzberg, Gene F Astrum, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-123057)

• NCJ Number: 123062
• Author(s): F L Camey
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: PMA Publishing Corp
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Interpersonal conflict and intrapsychic conflict are factors in violent behavior.

Abstract

Violence as adaptive interpersonal behavior is generally used by persons with characteristics of egocentrism, narcissism, and emotional immaturity. Persons having egocentrism have no sympathy or empathy for others and may have a self-justifying value system. The narcissistic person needs to be adored. He expects others to worship him while he gives nothing in return. Emotional immaturity includes hedonism, an inability to delay need gratification, and the overall tendency to perceive and respond in infantile ways. Violence stemming from intrapsychic conflict is likely to be a single, aberrant violent act that is typically brutal. Juveniles who kill as a result of intrapsychic conflict tend to have a rigid superego. Intrapsychic pressures build, and their superego allows themselves no "safety valve" to relieve the pressure. The explosion occurs in a horrible act of violence. Adult killers who engage in the single act of violence were potential juvenile killers who over time have experienced a pattern of failure without an adequate "safety valve." They typically idealize victims and deny the negative aspects of the relationship until the explosion occurs. 13 references.