The Systemic Conditions Leading to Violent Human Behavior

Abstract

There has been increased interest in violence because of several recent tragic murders committed by adolescent boys. Most researchers speculate that there are multiple risk factors associated with people who become violent and kill other people. This article presents a model for understanding how the risk factors may interact to favor the development of violent human behavior. The model proposes a set of conditions for the four levels of human behavior—intrapsychic, interpersonal, intragroup, and intergroup—that are necessary, but not sufficient in and of themselves, to determine the expression of violent behavior. Certain final events that complement the favorable factors and trigger or precipitate violence are proposed. Recommendations for systemic interventions at all four levels are also provided.