Motivations Underlying Mass Acts of Violence

Abstract

This chapter provided a definition of the term mass violence and posited that more mass violence is occurring than is reported. It addressed that living victims suffering the results of exposure to the use of mass violence has not really been addressed. The chapter advised perception is one of the most impacting aspects of interpretation of situations and the decision by the perpetrator to use mass violence, and it also provided critically important information regarding autogenic massacre as relates to mass violence being exclusively by adult, or young adult, males. The chapter went on to discuss the contagious nature of mass violence or murder as researched and the possible effects of violent video games on mass violence. The chapter then addressed the possible connection between mental illness and mass violence. Information was also provided which addressed hydraulic model of aggression as relates to mass violence.