NCJ Number
123057
Editor(s)
L J Hertzberg,
G F Ostrum,
J R Field
Date Published
1990
Length
339 pages
Annotation
This volume examines the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors as antecedents of violence, addresses societal intervention strategies to reduce violence, and considers the assessment of violence by clinicians and the courts.
Abstract
The nine chapters in the book's first section focus on three major aspects of the antecedents of violence: biological, psychological, and sociological. Chapters pertinent to biological antecedents of violence provide examples of neural and hormonal mechanisms mediating aggression and review various biological dysfunctions that may contribute to violence and aggression. Chapters on the psychosocial aspects of violent behavior consider aggression and violence as learned behaviors, the psychodynamic and psychological aspects of violence, and the importance of affectional bonding in preventing violence. Three chapters on the sociological aspects of violence examine the social and economic contexts of violent behavior; the impact of violent television content on the aggressive behaviors of viewers; and factors in violence in the streets, schools, and home. Four chapters addressing societal intervention strategies focus on counterterrorism tactics, alcohol and drug treatment to reduce violence, correctional responses to violence, and school intervention that targets aggressive students. Four chapters on the assessment of violence clinically and in the courts focus on the assessment and prediction of violence, including legal intervention with serious juvenile offenders. Chapter references, subject index. For individual chapters, see NCJ 123058-74.