Factors that influence violent behavior

This paper describes the different factors that influence violent behavior. It discusses how these factors interact with each other to produce violence.

Factors That Influence Violent Behavior:

There is no single factor that can predict whether a person will become violent. Rather, it is the combination of many different factors that can increase the risk for violence. Some of these factors are personal (e.g., age, gender, mental health problems), while others are environmental (e.g., poverty, exposure to violence).

How do these factors interact with each other to produce violence? One way to think about this is by using the analogy of a “tipping point” (Gladwell, 2002). Imagine a scale with all of the different risk factors for violence on one side and all of the protective factors on the other. The scale is in balance when the risk factors and protective factors cancel each other out. However, if the risk factors outweigh the protective factors, then the scale tips and violence can occur.

There are many different pathways to violence, and not all people who have risk factors will become violent. However, the more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of becoming violent.

Risk Factors for Violence:

There are many different risk factors for violence. Some of these are personal (e.g., age, gender, mental health problems), while others are environmental (e.g., poverty, exposure to violence).

Personal Risk Factors:

Age: The risk for violence increases as people get older. This is especially true for young men, who are more likely to commit violent crimes than any other age group.

Gender: Men are more likely to be involved in violence than women. This is due, in part, to cultural norms that encourage aggression in men and discourage it in women.

Mental health problems: People with mental health problems, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, are more likely to be involved in violence than those without mental health problems. This is due, in part, to the fact that people with mental illness are more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses.

Substance abuse: People who abuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to be involved in violence than those who do not abuse these substances. This is due, in part, to the fact that substances can increase impulsive and aggressive behavior.

Environmental Risk Factors:

Poverty: People who live in poverty are more likely to be involved in violence than those who do not live in poverty. This is due, in part, to the fact that poverty can lead to frustration and desperation, which can in turn lead to violent behavior.

Exposure to violence: People who are exposed to violence, either through personal experience or through witnessing it, are more likely to be involved in violence themselves. This is due, in part, to the fact that exposure to violence can desensitize people to violence and make them more likely to resort to violence themselves.