1st Edition

Understanding and Preventing Violence The Psychology of Human Destructiveness

By Leighton C. Whitaker Copyright 2000

    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.

    DILEMMAS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
    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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