Cognitive-Emotional and Inhibitory Deficits as a Window to Moral Decision-Making Difficulties Related to Exposure to Violence

Abstract

In the present review, we illustrate how exposure to violence results in an increased probability of developing functional impairments of decision mechanisms necessary for moral behavior. We focus in particular on the detrimental effects of exposure to violence on emotional (e.g., Empathy), cognitive (e.g., Theory of Mind), and inhibitory control abilities. Relying on studies that document impaired moral behavior in individuals with deficits in these abilities, we propose a “model” of how exposure to violence can affect moral behavior. We then discuss how impaired moral decision making can also be a factor increasing the likelihood of reiterating violence: agents who lack abilities such as understanding and resonating with others’ emotions or inhibitory control, can lead to an increase of violent displays. Thus, if not properly addressed, the noxious effects of exposure to violence on morality can lead to a violence generating cycle. We conclude proposing that interventions targeted at improving moral behavior can maximize their efficacy focusing on mitigating the impact of violence on the basic cognitive, emotional, and inhibitory abilities discussed.

Processing of Emotions in Speech in Forensic Patients With Schizophrenia: Impairments in Identification, Selective Attention, and Integration of Speech Channels

“…Spoken communication, and specifically the processing of emotions in spoken language, have an important role in daily social interactions (32,33). Spoken emotion processing is crucial for the apprehension of other's feelings and development of empathy, which in turn can dampen violence toward another person (8,12,(34)(35)(36). Indeed, when the listener does not fully apprehend the emotion conveyed by the speaker, miscommunication can ensue, with possible negative implications for the quality of social interactions (37) and aggressive and violent behavior.…”

How Self-Control Predicts Moral Decision Making: An Exploratory Study on Healthy Participants

“…Inhibitory control, the ability to suppress or countermand thoughts, actions, or feelings [ 23 ], has been associated with morality in antisocial personality disorder e.g., [ 24 ]. Furthermore, a recent work suggested the importance of potentiating inhibitory control to improve moral behavior [ 25 ].…”

Effects of Integrated Moral Reasoning Development Intervention for Management of Violence in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…All of these add the dimension of moral reasoning and significantly increase the self-regulation on risk of violence. Thus, specific moral reasoning can be a factor increasing the seriousness of violence [ 5 , 47 ]. Deficits on morality may contribute to a violence generating cycle [ 47 ].…”