NCJ Number
190234
Journal
Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: 2001 Pages: S17-S22
Date Published
2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This editorial examined the evolution of psychopathology and violence through previous research findings to aid in the understanding of violent behavior.
Abstract
Through research the need was acknowledged to come to a clearer understanding of those individuals whose personalities were classed as ‘psychopathic’ and whose behavior was often closely linked to the perpetration of violence. In understanding violent behavior, violence must be defined. Violence defined was more about the social meaning given to a form of destructive interpersonal behavior. Therefore, the meaning given to destructive behavior was intrinsic to the study of violence. The editorial continued with research conducted in the 1980's and 1990's focusing on the attachment theory in understanding violent behavior. This theory underlined the importance of family violence in the understanding of psychopathology. In addition, the effects of traumatization and some of its cognitive and emotional consequences were reviewed. However, there was little seen as linking these findings to an understanding of violent behavior and psychopathology. While the discussed research was of interest to those who work in the field of forensic psychiatry and psychotherapy, the research did not address the aetiology of psychopathology and violence.