Columbine Memorial, May 2023
What is Violence?
Violence has been a part of human society throughout history. From domestic violence to mass shootings, violence can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. To understand the causes and consequences of violence, behavior analysts have proposed various theories that highlight the role of environmental factors, learning, and reinforcement in shaping violent behavior.
First, and most importantly for our discussion, violence is a descriptor of behavior. It is not a personality, a feeling, or anything else TV pundits say it is. And because it describes behavior, we can measure it and reduce or increase the frequency and severity for which it occurs. Another important aspect of violence that is often overlooked is that it is not unprovoked. There is often a pattern of behaviors (perhaps they are less violent or severe behaviors or nonviolent at all) and risk factors that suggest violent behaviors are imminent.
The Violence Project is a research initiative that seeks to understand and prevent mass shootings in the United States by compiling data from 1966 to the present. According to their research, many mass shooters exhibit a pattern of behavior that is consistent with the behaviorist perspective on violence. For example, many mass shooters have a history of violence, have been exposed to violence in their environment, and violent behavior has been reinforced in the past. One key insight from the Violence Project's research is the importance of early intervention in preventing violent behavior. Many mass shooters exhibited warning signs or red flags before their attacks, such as a history of violence, a fascination with weapons or violence, or a sense of isolation or rejection. By identifying these warning signs and intervening early, it may be possible to prevent violent behavior from escalating into mass shootings.
Violence as a Learned Behavior
The behavior analytic perspective on violence emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in shaping behavior and suggests that violent behavior is a learned response to certain environmental cues and stimuli. Operant conditioning is a key concept in this perspective, whereby behavior is shaped by its consequences. Actions that are reinforced are more likely to be repeated, while those that are punished are less likely to be repeated. For instance, a child who grows up in a violent household may learn to associate certain situations, such as arguments or conflicts, with violence, and engaging in violence to resolve conflicts might be reinforced. Furthermore, violent behavior can be reinforced by a variety of factors, such as the perceived benefits of violence (e.g., money, food), the social status or power that violence may confer, or the fear that violence can evoke in others. As an example, a person who uses violence to assert dominance over others may find reinforcing the social status that comes with that dominance, even if the violence itself is punished. Similarly, in David Grossman's book "On Killing," he delves into the operant and classical mechanisms that teach killing, illustrating how conditioning techniques are employed in military training to desensitize soldiers to the act of killing through strong associations between stimuli and the response of firing a weapon. Additionally, positive reinforcement in the form of praise and recognition is used to encourage and reward soldiers for killing.
Violence and Poverty
Violence, a widespread issue impacting communities globally, displays a higher prevalence in specific areas, particularly those marked by high poverty rates. This variation stems from various environmental and social factors that contribute to the formation and perpetuation of violent behavior. Understanding these underlying factors is vital for developing effective interventions and policies to reduce violence and promote well-being in these neighborhoods.
The prevalence of violence in impoverished areas arises from diverse environmental and social factors. In neighborhoods lacking positive reinforcement for cooperative, kind, and empathetic actions, cultural norms and media may reinforce violent and aggressive behaviors. Furthermore, children in impoverished neighborhoods may witness violence at an early age, both within their families and among their peers, leading to the normalization and acceptance of violence as a problem-solving method. Moreover, individuals may engage in violent behavior to escape adverse situations or to gain rewards such as status and respect within their social group. Finally, the absence of essential resources like education, healthcare, and employment in poor neighborhoods can foster feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and despair, increasing the likelihood of violent behavior.
Reducing Violence
Despite the complexity of violence, there are strategies that have been shown to be effective in reducing its incidence. One such strategy is early intervention. By identifying individuals who exhibit warning signs of violent behavior and intervening early, it may be possible to prevent violent behavior from escalating. This can be done through various means, such as counseling, therapy, or mental health services. Additionally, schools and workplaces can implement programs that provide support and resources for individuals who may be at risk for violent behavior.
Another strategy for reducing violence is community-based interventions. This approach involves working with communities to identify the causes of violence and implementing programs and initiatives to address those causes. For instance, community-based interventions may include programs that provide job training and educational opportunities for at-risk individuals, or programs that provide resources and support for families and individuals who have experienced violence or trauma. By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to violent behavior, community-based interventions have the potential to prevent violence from occurring in the first place.
There are also a number of examples of successful violence reduction strategies. One notable example is the Cure Violence program, which operates in various cities across the United States and internationally. The program takes a public health approach to violence reduction, viewing violence as a contagious disease that can be prevented through targeted interventions. The program uses a combination of outreach, mediation, and community mobilization to prevent violence from occurring. According to research, the Cure Violence program has been successful in reducing violence in the communities in which it operates. Another example of a successful violence reduction strategy is the Operation Peacemaker Fellowship, which operates in Richmond, California. The program works with individuals who are involved in gang activity and aims to provide them with resources and support to help them leave the gang lifestyle. The program includes mentoring, job training, and educational opportunities, and has been successful in reducing violent crime in Richmond.
Brain Development in a Violent Environment - Effects on Behavior
The long-term consequences of violence and adversity in early childhood have been well documented, especially in how it affects the child’s development by not only impacting the developmental brain neuronal wiring but also increasing the probability in the future of behavior problems and other health issues such as anxiety and depression. Research also demonstrates that a difficult and adverse environment as well as frequent exposure to violence, either personal or as an observer, can have lasting effects on brain development that places the young child at a disadvantage so early in their journey through life. For example, a child exposed to domestic violence tends to develop more aggressive behaviors relating to others, they are withdrawn and do not develop adequate socialization skills. And children exposed to violence tend to have difficulty in school, abuse drugs or alcohol, act aggressively in general, and develop behavior problems such as engaging in criminal behavior as adolescents and adults.
The developing brain is most vulnerable to the impact of early adverse and coercive/negative experiences in the younger years of life. Early exposure to extreme and chronic negative, traumatic, and violent events guides the neuronal organization of the brain. It is a fact that as a consequence of this exposure to an adverse environment, the child is then ill-prepared to deal with stress later in life. The brain is not developing to be ready and respond effectively to the many challenges in life.
Another disadvantage shaped by a young child being exposed to and raised in an adverse/violent environment is how it impacts cognitive development. It is also well-established that aversive environments can suppress a child’s learning abilities contributing to poor academic performance and increasing the risk of the individual becoming a drop-out. Early negative experiences can influence the brain’s emotional system in ways that can increase the frequency of dysfunctional behavior such as acting aggressively either verbally or in actions.
The long-term behavioral consequences of being shaped in an adverse/violent environment include a higher frequency of dealing with life adversities with an aggressive act and lacking stable and meaningful relationships. Antisocial behavior becomes prominent. Such individuals have problems getting or holding a steady job. They become isolated, with reduced opportunities, and self-absorbed with negative self-talk (thoughts). Fertile ground for negative ruminations associated with anger, and revenge that can lead to acting-out behavior and violence.
Other Potential Factors Contributing to Violence
In addition to the aforementioned factors, the role of violent video games, music, and media has also been a topic of discussion regarding their potential influence on aggressive behavior and real-life violence. While some studies suggest a correlation between exposure to violent media and aggressive thoughts or behavior, the relationship between violent media and real-life violence remains complex and inconclusive.
One argument put forth by researchers is that exposure to violent media can desensitize individuals to violence and normalize aggressive behavior. Repeated exposure to violent imagery and actions may lead individuals to become more accepting of violence as a means of conflict resolution. However, it is essential to note that exposure to violent media alone is unlikely to cause someone to become violent. Many other factors, such as individual differences, family environment, social context, and mental health, contribute to the development of violent behavior.
Moreover, research findings on the link between violent media and aggression have been inconsistent. While some studies suggest a positive correlation, others find no significant association. It is crucial to consider that correlational studies cannot establish causation. They can only identify potential associations between variables. Experimental research, which manipulates exposure to violent media and measures subsequent aggression, has also produced mixed results.
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that millions of individuals consume violent media without engaging in violent behavior. The majority of people can differentiate between fantasy and reality, understanding that the actions depicted in media are fictional and not to be replicated in real life. Factors such as a person's upbringing, values, social support, and personal resilience play a vital role in how they interpret and respond to media content.
Other Considerations
In understanding violence, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant role of parenting, healthy families, and good schools. Research consistently demonstrates that a nurturing and supportive family environment, coupled with effective parenting strategies, can significantly reduce the likelihood of violent behavior in children. Positive parent-child relationships, characterized by open communication, emotional support, and consistent discipline, contribute to the development of empathy, conflict resolution skills, and a sense of personal responsibility. Similarly, the presence of quality educational institutions that prioritize emotional well-being, social skills development, and conflict resolution can foster a culture of non-violence among students. By providing children with a strong foundation based on healthy family dynamics and access to quality education, we can promote prosocial behavior, and resilience, and reduce the risk of engaging in violence later in life.
Violence is a multifaceted problem that has far-reaching impacts on individuals and communities. It is important to understand that violence is behavior-based and can be measured and modified through intervention. Early intervention, community-based approaches, and successful violence reduction strategies have shown promise in reducing the incidence of violence. Adverse experiences, such as exposure to violence in childhood, can have long-lasting effects on brain development and behavior. While the influence of violent media on aggression remains a topic of debate, it is clear that individual differences and various contextual factors contribute to the development of violent behavior.
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