Toward a Theory of the Genesis of Violence: A Follow-up Study of Delinquents

Childhood experiences of patients with schizophrenia and a history of violence: a special hospital sample

“…Family factors have also been associated more specifically with the development of violent behaviour (Climent et al, 1973;McCord, 1979;Huesman et al, 1984;Lewis et al, 1989;Widom, 1989aWidom, , 1989bDodge, 1993;Klassen & O'Connor, 1994). Widom (1989a) has comprehensively reviewed the literature relating to the 'violence begets violence' hypothesis.…”

“…Longitudinal studies (McCord, 1979;Huesmann et al, 1984) have demonstrated that the experience of parental aggression as a child is associated with violent behaviour as an adult. Many other factors however, including individual strengths and vulnerabilities, are likely to influence and mediate the effects of exposure to such violence and it is likely there is a complex interaction of such factors (Lewis et al, 1989;Widom, 1989a). Experiences of violence and abuse may well be situated within a wider context of deprivation which may be equally or even more important for long-term outcome.…”

Juvenile homicide in America: how can we stop the killing?

“…Although the majority of children who are victims or witnesses of family violence do not grow up to victimize others (Gelles & Conte, 1990;Scudder, Blount, Heide, & Silverman, 1993;Smith and Thornberry, 1995), a growing body of research indicates that these children are at greater risk of engaging in delinquent behavior. Retrospective studies of violent adolescents and young killers have repeatedly found child abuse, neglect, and exposure to parental violence in their backgrounds (Cornell, 1989;Ewing, 1990;Heide, 1992;Lewis et al, 1985;Lewis et al, 1988;Lewis, Lovely, Yeager, and Femina, 1989;Lewis, Pincus, Bard, & Richardson, 1988;Lewis, Shanok, Grant, & Ritvo, 1983;Lewis, Shanok, Pincus, & Glaser, 1979;Sendi & Blomgren, 1975).…”

“…A growing body of research suggests that criminal behavior may be linked at least in some cases to genetics, neurological factors, and biochemical reactions (Eysenck, 1977;Fishbein, 1990;Glueck & Glueck, 1950;Jeffrey, 1979;Lewis, 1992;Mednick & Christiansen, 1977;Pincus, 1993;Widom, 1991;Wilson & Hernstein, 1985). Hans Eysenck, a British psychologist, argued persuasively that personality differences between criminals and noncriminals were genetically based.…”

“…She maintained that genetic factors and biological vulnerabilities, particularly when severe, predispose certain individuals to respond violently. Dr. Lewis's research findings suggest that if these individuals are subjected to intense psychological, social, and environmental stressors that exceed their ability to cope, violent expression is more likely to result, particularly among males (Lewis et al, 1989;Lewis et al, 1991;Lewis, 1992).…”