1st Edition
Understanding and Preventing Violence The Psychology of Human Destructiveness
More violence has been perpetrated in the 20th century than in the two previous centuries combined. Understanding and Preventing Violence: Unmasking the Mentality of Human Destructiveness elucidates the mentality of destructive behavior with the hopes that in the future, the trend may be reversed through enlightenment. But in order to choose to be constructive, rather than destructive, there must first be an understanding.
This book takes a hard look at an alarming trend. It provides a focused view of the new wave of violence - from the individual to the global levels. It. traces the influence of sexuality and the anxiety of death on human mentality and suggests ways to reverse the increase in destructive behavior. It helps criminologists with profiling and spotting trends and aids psychologists by deepening the understanding of their severely character-disordered or sociopathic patients.
The author delves into the reasons and motivations prompting destructive behavior in order to
promote a constructive reaction to what has become commonplace in society - senseless violent acts.
Aimed at forensic and clinical psychologists, sociologists, criminal defense attorneys and criminologists, Leighton C. Whitaker delivers a work that provides an understanding of the psychodynamics of violence and the role it plays in society.
Constructive and Destructive Mentalities
Mapping the Journey of Discovery
Staying Alive and Awake
Awakening to the Subtleties of Dehumanization
Denial in the Twentieth Century
The Art and Science of Covert Destructive Persuasion
Basic Considerations: A Dialogue with the Devil's Advocate
Summary
Bibliography for Chapter 1
References for Chapter 1
SOCIAL INDUCEMENTS TO PARALETHAL AND LETHAL VIOLENCE
The Violence Trend in the 20th Century
Denials and Some "Solutions" that Contribute to Violence
Casual Influences
A Night at the Movies: Popcorn, Soda, and Splattered Brains
Parties to the Sado-masochistic Violence-Addiction Contract
The Social Structure and Dynamics of Paralethal Violence
How We Can Counter and Replace our Violence Culture
Summary
Bibliography for Chapter 2
References for Chapter 2
INHIBITING FATAL GROUP AND INSTITUTIONAL AGGRESSION
The Inherently Violent Tendency of Institutions
Examples of Mandated, Legally Limited, Institutional Aggression
Examples of Illegal Violence in Legal Situations
Anti-Government Extremists, Terrorists, and Deadly Cults
The Art and Science of Inculcating Violent Behavior
Reality vs. Paranoia
A Blueprint for Inhibiting Institutional Violence
Summary
Bibliography for Chapter 3
References for Chapter 3
THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY AND LETHAL VIOLENCE
Early Development and Present Formation
Cycles of Violation and Reform
Ethics Questions
Machinating Mentalities
Mind Control Programs
Psychic Warriors
Efficacy Questions
Prospects and Recommendations
Summary
Bibliography for Chapter 4
References for Chapter 4
LETHAL VIOLENCE BY ENTIRE GOVERNMENTS
The Facts of Democide
The Dynamics of Power and Freedom
Authoritarian Personalities and Governments
Human Destructiveness as Folly
The Case of Adolph Hitler and Nazi Germany
Psychological Understanding of Hitler
Lessons Tyrants Have Taught Us
Summary
Bibliography for Chapter 5
References for Chapter 5
TRANSCENDENCE: CONSTRUCTIVE VERSUS DESTRUCTIVE MENTALITIES
The Courage and Kindness of Rescue Conspiracies
Transcendence in Concentration Camps
Developing Constructive Mentality
Conclusion
Summary
Bibliography for Chapter 6
References for Chapter 6
INDEX
Biography
Leighton C. Whitaker
"…author takes a hard look at an alarming trend and provides a focused perspective of a new wave of violence, from the individual to the global level…traces the influence of sexuality and the anxiety of death on human mentality and suggests ways to reverse the increase in destructive behavior…delves into the reasons and motivations prompting destructive behavior in order to promote a constructive reaction to senseless violent acts."
--Crime & Justice International
"Understanding and Preventing Violence provides a wake-up call that challenges conventional views... Whitaker, no doubt, has performed an invaluable service with this book, calling our attention to the absurdities and deceptions that can hinder formulating reasonable and meaningful approaches to comprehend the interactive nature of violence causation."
-Calvin E. Woodland, Ed.D., PsyD Ethical Human Sciences and Services
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