Investigation of a typology of alcohol‐related violence defined by ultimate goals

Abstract

Purpose. Alcohol‐related violence is a serious problem and treatments for high‐risk individuals need to be developed. Classification helps to route people into appropriate treatments. Drawing on animal research, we define alcohol‐related violence in relation to ultimate goals. We propose three types of violence: (1) violence in the pursuit of material goals, (2) violence in pursuit of social dominance goals, and (3) violence as defence in response to threat. The aim is to explore factors that we expect to relate to this tripartite typology, with the aim of providing a preliminary validation. Method. Participants were 149 young male prisoners who had committed an offence of violence that was alcohol related. Semi‐structured interviews elicited information about the offence that enabled classification into one of the three types. Differences between groups were examined at the event level – level of violence during the offence and alcohol consumption before the offence – and at group level – trait aggression, trait anxiety, anger control, and alcohol–aggression outcome expectancies. Results. No differences were found in levels of violence or alcohol consumption. Those whose violence was in the pursuit of material goals were high on trait aggression, trait anger, trait anxiety, and anger suppression. Those who used violence in the pursuit of social dominance showed high trait aggression and trait anger. Those whose violence was a defence in response to threat showed lower trait aggression and trait anger. Conclusion. The findings are discussed in relation to differential group profiles and treatment needs.

Triggers for alcohol‐related violence in young male offenders

“…Wanting a fight is apparently quite rare in young male offenders. The desire to fight is fuelled by a number of rewards, including feelings of excitement during the fight, maintaining a ‘reputation’, and gaining respect from peers (Butler & Maruna, 2009; Graham & Wells, 2003; McMurran et al , 2011). Again, attention to hypermasculine values and sensitivity to disrespect are indicated.…”

“…Participants were recruited from a Young Offenders Institution in the East Midlands of England as part of a study on alcohol‐related aggression (McMurran, Jinks, Howells, & Howard, 2010; McMurran, Jinks, Howells, & Howard, 2011). All offenders in the institution were between 18 and 21 years of age.…”

Deconstructing alcohol use on a night out in England: Promotions, preloading and consumption

“…Details of quantities, measures and brand names were requested in line with similar studies (e.g. [26]) under each category. This information was used to calculate UK alcohol units (1 unit = 10 mg/8 g of alcohol) using the Drinkaware unit calculator [27] for each of the five categories separately, and to facilitate the calculation of a total unit consumption for the event.…”

Individual‐level interventions for alcohol‐related violence: A rapid evidence assessment

“…We know that there are certain types of people who, when they drink to intoxication in certain places at certain times, are at risk of alcohol‐related violence. These are generally young men (Richardson & Budd, ), who are of an aggressive disposition (Giancola, ; McMurran, Jinks et al, ), who typically drink in social situations (Lang et al, ) and use alcohol to increase their confidence (McMurran, ). When intoxicated, these young men readily respond with violence to a range of perceived provocations (McMurran, Hoyte & Jinks et al, ).…”