Understanding and Preventing Violence: The Psychology of Human Destructiveness » (1st Edition)

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