Running head: ORIGINS OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

Origins of Violent Behavior

Edward Seavey
DeVry University

Origins of Violent Behavior

ORIGINS OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

With all of the recent violence in the United States today, it is no wonder that people are
starting to question what makes a person become violent? In this past year alone there have been
a number of mass shootings: Sandyhook Elementary, Aurora Colorado movie theater massacre
and open shootings at malls. All of these shootings have one thing in common, a lone shooter
with a history of mental and social complications. It would not be accurate to say that violent
behavior has its origins in strictly biological or social aspects, but that violent behaviors comes
from a combination of the two.
Genetics play a large role in determining the personality and character of a person along
with all biological parts. Genetics partly determine parts of the psyche such as development,
temperament and possibly mental disease. Based on a study of school aged children, different
biological factors in development have affected their relation to violent behavior. Low IQ and
immaturity for their age were leading factors to violence as were students who suffered mental
problems such as ADHD and bipolar disease. The temperament of ADHD and bipolar was the
key for researchers as these children were more likely to act out in a violent manner than their
peers (Schlozman, 2002). Mental illness is one of the first factors looked for when it comes to
mass violent crime and more often than not, there does seem to be an indication that it is present.
Mental illness in the United States has a large stigma attached to it that makes individuals
afraid to seek help and often times the family of that person will ignore that there is an issue. In a
study that examined the perception of mental disorders and a link for violence it was discovered
that participants perceived, people with psychiatric backgrounds as aggressive, criminal, or
disruptive is associated with stigma, especially desire for social distance (Boysen & Gabreski,
2012). The stigma exists because violence can be linked to mental illness and is usually the most
notable reason for why a crime occurred. People with mental illness do not process emotions and

ORIGINS OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

thoughts in the same manner that the average normal range for a person would. Violence can
stem from this instability if they are not equipped with the ability or strategies to control their
emotions and how they react to them.
Mental illness starts as a biological source but can be made worse by social factors.
Social upbringing is essential to develop a healthy individual and in the same study in school
children it was found that those with poor parental involvement and social support were more
likely to engage in violent behavior (Schlozman, 2002). Poor social support can make a person
feel isolated, depressed and anxious, which can lead to engaging in illegal or violent behavior.
Social upbringing in children also affects how they will behave as adults and a child who is
constantly teased, bullied or put down may have more violent outbursts as an adult.
A common theme in violence and its origin is that a lot of these determining factors stem
from childhood. In order to combat violent tendencies there needs to be a global focus on finding
biological risk factors early and creating a positive social environment for children to be raised
in. Part of the problem is that mental illness is largely ignored and discovered later in life. The
earlier it is diagnosed the faster treatment can begin and that could help deter violent behavior.
Social risks also need to be looked into further as has been happening recently. The push for antibullying efforts has been having a positive effect, but there could still be more done. The other
problem is the lack of or insufficient parenting. A lot of families would benefit if they would take
the time to steer their kids in a responsible direction and be their support when it is needed.
Violent behavior cannot be broken down to find one main source of its beginning, but
must instead be evaluated as having many different sources and influences. A person is not just
born to be a violent and while there is a biological aspect to the behavior, it can be elevated or

ORIGINS OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

eliminated with the help of social support and upbringing. The United States does a lot to serve
punishment for violent crimes and behavior, but it would benefit society if there was a deeper
look taken at what caused the behavior and what can be done to treat and prevent it in the future.

References
Boysen, G. A., & Gabreski, J. D. (2012). The effect of combined etiological information on

ORIGINS OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

attitudes about mental disorders associated with violent and nonviolent behaviors.
Journal of Social & Clinical Psychology, 31(8), 852-877. doi:10.1521/jscp.2012.31.8.852
Schlozman, S. C. (2002). Fighting school violence. Educational Leadership, 60(2), 89.