Causes of Violence

#mentalhealth #practicalpsychology #preventivepsychology #reallifeissues

Day by day we read of the most devastating cases of violence all around us. it seems as if the more we engage in anti-violence campaigns the more the cases spiral and intensify. what if we focus on a different approach in the addressing violence? A number of behavioral scientists and biologist have engaged a more specialized approach in trying to ascertain the causes or triggers of violence. in line with these recent research paradigms i believe seeking to understand the root causes of violence will go a long way in helping us to come up with both behavioral and clinical interventions. much effectively it will help us appreciate our role as a society in either fueling or reducing violence in our societies. Please note that the article does not seek to condone violence but rather to explore the underlying factors that lead to the development of violent traits.

IDENTIFYING THE ROOTS

Causes of violent behavior range from Genetic and temperament pre-disposition to environment based factors. The Nurture and Nature Theory can be used to explain the occurrence of violence. While some individuals may have traits of violence running in their DNA, some learn violence through their interactions with the environment. Destructive parenting patterns,Abuse and Post-trauma effects,mood disorders,Peer influence,media overload,substance and alcohol abuse,psychopathology are among some chief causes of violence. Some of the causes will be discussed briefly in this article.

GENETIC INFLUENCE

In some families violence is an inherited trait, the ancestors have a history of violence,Recent research in the fields of Psychology, Neurobiology and chemistry have shown that genes and environment are responsible for emotional and control disorders such as violence, suicide, depression and anxiety.Research has confirmed the role of genes on temperament and behavior traits. A leading study published in the journal of molecular Psychiatry identified 40 genes related to aggressive behavior in humans and mice.

Traits of violence can be attributed to altered gene expression and chemical imbalance. Although some violent traits are heritable some genes are altered by traumatic experiences before, during and after birth. Trauma may contribute to the expression of violent genes.Evidence of the role of genes is evident in cases where violence runs in the family. A number of twin studies have attributed 50% of violence related incidents to genetic factors. Temperament also influences violent traits. individuals who have temperaments which are characterized by dominance, low self-esteem, and poor communication are more inclined to violent behavior traits.

Despite the unquestionable evidence of genetic influence on behavior , Epigenetic studies have provided a wide range of arguments to prove that gene expression depends on the environment and early life experiences. it is therefore important to reflect on the factors such as parenting style, peer influence, and other external influences.

DESTRUCTIVE PARENTING

Blanz et al (1991) confirms the adverse effects of parenting on aggressive behavior. Aggressive parenting styles, emotional neglect and exposure to parental violence are possible causes of violence. Socialization mostly takes place in early childhood. At this stage

children learn what is acceptable and non-acceptable behavior. Children raised in an abusive environment are likely to display violent behavior traits. As children are exposed to violence in the home ,violence is normalized and violent traits are strengthened in them. children who grow up in an environment where parents exhibit violence are likely to become violent adults.

Similarly children who experience aggressive punishment or corrective discipline are highly likely to resort to violence in solving conflicts. When parents discipline children in a violent manner, violence is normalized as an tool for solving conflicts. it is important to note that the manner of discipline is a form of socialization.

EMOTIONAL NEGLECT

Emotional neglect refers to intentional or unintentional disregard of emotional needs. When one's emotions are taken for granted they develop a bank-up emotions. a pile up of emotions displays itself in form of violent behavior. Violence is perceived as a way of expressing bottled up emotions. Similarly children who experience physical ,verbal or emotional abuse are likely to exhibit violent natures.

POOR COMMUNICATION

An incorrect concept that is widely accepted is that 'a child has no voice". Communication is a key concept to healthy emotional well-being, communication is a two way process where one speaks and the other listens and there is feedback. Children who are not taught proper communication skills are likely to develop violent behaviors. A large percentage of cases of violence can be traced back to lack of communication.

MEDIA OVERLOAD

The media is an effective agent of socialization. Societies have embraced certain behavior traits because of the way they are displayed in media. In a famous experiment by Alfred Bandura (1961) he sought to study weather aggressive behaviors can be acquired by observation and imitation. some children were exposed to violent model in turn the children exhibited violence during play. This is evidence that exposure to violent content is likely to model violent traits. This suggests that children who are exposed to media with violent content are likely to become violent. Parental guidance in what children view and read is necessary. Proper monitoring of movies, video games and books may ensure reduction of violent traits.

PEER INFLUENCE

Associating with violent peers may model violence in your children as

well as expose them to bullying. Parents should monitor the type of association that children keep. In this way you safeguard them against violence.

SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

Substance and alcohol abuse is a leading cause of violence. Onset of alcohol and substance use is usual around teenage years. Influenced by:

1. Parents or model adults who smoke and drink

2. Media

3.peers

4.Depression and Anxiety among other reasons.

Early education on dangers of substance and alcohol use will go a long way.setting a good example by abstaining from alcohol and drugs as a parent. It is important to ensure safe and healthy peer association. A choice of a safe location for the home and choosing a good school will help in hedging the children from harmful peer associations. Maintaining good, healthy relationships with children ensures that they trust you more than their peers.

It is important to also offer support to family members who engage in substance and alcohol use, if possible encouraging them to seek help in withdrawing from these substances.

POST-TRAUMA AND ABUSE EFFECTS

Studies have shown that a greater number of perpetrators of violence are victims of abuse or suffer from post- trauma effects. Educating children to identify abuse, report abuse helps in curbing abuse related violence.knowing your children enough to identify signs of abuse and helping them to seek professional help.Research has shown that victims who receive proper social support and therapy recover from effects of abuse and become successful adults. -grief if not dealt with properly may lead to violence. It is therefore important to deal with mental issues as they occur to avoid harmful consequences.

PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

While some causes of violence are largely influenced by the environment and experience, it should not be ignored that some mental illness can lead to violent symptoms. Psychotic illness such as Schizophrenia can present aggressive and violent characteristics. According to research by Paul G Nestor mental disorders such as substance abuse, personality disorders , schizophrenia spectrum disorders pose a higher risk of violent behavior traits. however these can be regulated and controlled through pharmacological intervention.

INDICATIONS OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

Potential violence can be identified at an early age. this helps in dressing the causal factors and in some cases behavioral; interventions can be applied to correct behavior. signs of violence may include self-inflicted violence and violence directed at others.Some tale tell signs of violence include throwing tantrums. children who have a tendency of throwing tantrums are highly likely to become violent adults. tantrums are a sign of poor emotion regulation and this should be dressed at an early stage. exhibitions of violence during play may be indicators of violent behavior tendencies. other signs may include Withdrawal from social interaction,mood swings,engaging in harmful physical aggression,disruptive behavior,bullying,display of verbal and physical aggression.

INTERVENTIONS

Like every other behavior disorder ,violent behavior can be addressed using either behavioral therapy, counselling and other methods.Cognitive behavior therapies that aim at addressing malfunctions in thought can be used to help individuals who have cognitive behavior disorders that drive violent behavior.Counselling may also be helpful in cases of trauma and abuse driven violence.The field of Psychiatry has in place pharmacological interventions to help reduce violence driven by mental disorders. With the recent surge in studies which focus on neurological, DNA and genetic causes of violence we are sure to witness more pharmacological interventions in the future. The rule"Prevention is better than cure" is applicable in the cases of Violence. If the society would pay attention to addressing the potential triggers of violence, efforts would truly go a long way. Let us create safe spaces in our homes that will encourage the upbringing of mentally healthy

societies.

Sources

Bandura, A. (1962). Social learning through imitation. In M. R. Jones (Ed.), Nebraska Symposium on Motivation, 1962 (p. 211–274). Univer. Nebraska Press.

Blanz B,Schmidt M.H, Esser G,Familial adversities and child psychiatric disorders. J Child Psychol Psychiatry{1991}. 32:939-950

Nestor Paul G, Mental disorder and violence:Personality Dimensions and Clinical features. Am.J Psychiatry{2002}. 159.12

Reif A, Rosler M, Freitag C. Nature and Nurture predispose to Violent Behavior :Serotogernic Genes and adverse childhood environment. Neuropsychophamacol (2002)32,2375-2383

By Nqoba M Sibenke