Temperature, City Size, and the Southern Subculture of Violence: Support for Social Escape/Avoidance (SEA) Theory¹

Abstract

A review of timc‐period research on temperature and aggression led the authors to hypothesize that southern subculture and sociodemographic variables are responsible for geographical differences in I1.S. homicide rates. It was also hypothesized that temperature's correlation with nonhomicidal violencc would be stronger in small than large cities. These hypotheses were tested by obtaining cross‐sectional data on I0 temperature indexes, 11 sociodemographic controls, percentage southern horn, and crime rates in more than 300 U.S. cities in 1990. Partial correlation analyses indicated that percentage southern born and sociodernographic variables rather than temperature predicted homicide rates. Moderator variable regression analyses indicated that relationships between temperature and nonhomicidal violence were stronger in small than large cities. The results are interpreted in terms of a social escapeiavoidance model of criminal behavior, which predicts that low as well as high temperatures lead co‐offenders to avoid social contact.

Predictive Extrinsic Factors in Multiple Victim Shootings

“…The primary theories used to explain the link between temperature and violent behavior are Temperature/Aggression (T/A) theories and Routine Activities Theory (RAT). T/A theories (e.g., Anderson, Deuser, & DeNeve, 1995 ; Bell & Baron, 1976 ; Cohn, Rotton, Peterson, & Tarr, 2004 ) suggest that the relationship between aversive events and aggression is mediated by negative affect. Discomfort from higher temperatures is believed to increase irritability and frustration, leading to a greater likelihood of aggressive behavior, including crime; thus, seasonal changes in temperature explain seasonal crime patterns.…”

Climate change and mental health: a causal pathways framework

“…Increasing temperatures (especially lengthy spells of hot weather) have been associated with higher rates of criminal and aggressive behavior (Brearley 1929;Cheatwood 1995;Cohn et al 2004) and higher suicide rates (Maes et al 1994). Extreme heat events may also be linked to suicide and psychiatric and other hospital admissions.…”

Mental health effects of climate change

“…[ 10 ] Increase in rates of criminality and aggression have been observed during the hot summer months, suggesting a link between aggressive behaviors and temperatures. [ 11 12 ] With global warming, it is possible that the rates of aggression may increase over time. Association has been also been seen with the rates of suicides and the temperatures.…”