NCJ Number
248132
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2014 Pages: 454-461
Date Published
August 2014
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper presents the results of a review of evolutionary and psychobiological models that show a chain of events leading from shame to aggression.
Abstract
This review of evolutionary and psychobiological models provides evidence that a chain of events links an individual's progression from shame to aggression, and that understanding this progression can lead to the development of intervention strategies that are more effective at reducing violent behavior and its underlying pathology. The paper begins with a discussion on shame and the need to understand the different kinds of shame and the problem of hidden shame and self-esteem regulation. The paper also provides an analysis of studies on partner violence, incarcerated violent offenders, and personality disorders, and the role that shame plays as an antecedent to violence. The discussion highlights the diverse ways in which aggression could be better explained by realizing and acknowledging the triggering emotions and contextual situations that characterize the aggressive act. This understanding can lead to the development of more effective intervention strategies aimed at reducing violent behavior. Implications for practice and research are discussed. References