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After decades of advocacy, prosecution of elder abuse has increased, a trend that is likely to continue. However, the increased scrutiny of elder abuse has raised questions about the consequences of prosecution on victims, perpetrators, and society, calling for a careful analysis of when and how the criminal justice system intervenes in these cases. To understand the nature and characteristics of elder abuse perpetrators, the article briefly reviews three sources of administrative data on perpetrators, followed by a concise review of the perpetrator research, most of which does not draw from criminal justice samples. To explain how the criminal justice system responds to elder abuse perpetrators, the article describes the criminal justice system's philosophy, the careful balancing of multiple factors when exercising prosecutorial discretion and provides a compilation of criminal justice responses that may be available to prosecutors in elder abuse cases. Recommendations for improvements in administrative data and increases in the quantity and quality of perpetrator research are presented. Where prosecution may be warranted, this paper argues that prosecutors would benefit from having a range of pre- and post-charging perpetrator interventions available. Filling research gaps identified in this paper could form the foundation for developing targeted criminal justice responses that both address the underlying causes of perpetrator criminal behavior and consider victim's wishes and may ultimately increase the safety and well-being of older adults and the communities in which they live. • Concise review of elder abuse perpetrator research. • Analysis of criminal justice philosophy and prosecutorial discretion within this context. • Research agenda for elder abuse perpetrator criminal justice interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence and aggression represent a serious problem, with significant cost and impact at individual and societal level. There has been increasing interest in the potential of mindfulness interventions to decrease levels of violence and aggression. This paper systematically reviews the evidence to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions for the reduction of violence and aggression levels. Five electronic databases were searched, and methods followed published guidance for systematic reviews. Studies that used a mindfulness intervention and measured outcomes of aggression and violence in adult populations were included. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was utilised to evaluate the quality of included studies. Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria, including fourteen randomised studies, three non-randomised studies and five cohort studies. The interventions investigated included mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and yoga with meditation. Overall, the results suggest that mindfulness-based interventions, with the possible exception of DBT, may be effective in reducing aggression and violence. They also suggest that mindfulness may relate to the processes of aggression through emotion regulation. However, papers were of variable quality, with weaknesses in both methodology and the reporting of data. Further good quality controlled studies with full and transparent reporting are needed to confirm these results, and to explore the elements of mindfulness which interact with mechanisms of aggression. • This review compiles all current evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions to decrease aggression and violence in adults • A detailed critique of the included studies is presented with the results categorised by type of mindfulness-based intervention • We observed heterogeneity in population, study design, intervention, methods and outcome measures used in the included studies • The results in 16 of the 22 studies suggest that mindfulness had an impact on violence and aggression, with effect sizes ranging from 0.21 to 0.87 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper articulates a case for prioritizing prevention of violence against children (VAC) at schools in resource poor environments of developing countries. The first section makes a broad case for why it is important to focus on schools as an entry point for preventing VAC. The second section discusses how the whole school approaches prevalent in developed nations such as Positive Behavioral Intervention Support (PBIS) can be adapted and contextualized for resource poor environments. The paper delineates between school climate and the operational culture of a school and discusses why practical approaches tend to address the latter. The final section of the paper discusses an evidence-based example of such an approach; the Good School Toolkit for preventing VAC at schools in resource poor environments. The paper concludes by articulating strategic considerations to bear in mind when designing such interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a well-established link between experiencing traumatic events in childhood such as witnessing violence and later perpetration of domestic violence. Within the United States, literature in the area of domestic violence has largely neglected the link between the neuroscience of trauma exposure in childhood and later instances of perpetration. Few research studies have explored the neurological impact of adverse childhood experiences on adult offending behavior. Additionally, the most common treatment models for these offenders do not focus on addressing prior trauma that may be related to offending behavior. Through the development of two theoretical models, this paper explores the relationship between childhood trauma and later perpetration of domestic violence. This paper argues that ACTV (Achieving Change Through Values-Based Behavior), a relatively new treatment model that incorporates elements of mindfulness, interoception, and experiential avoidance may be an effective treatment intervention for domestic violence offenders with a history of trauma. • Offender treatment programs have largely neglected the relationship between trauma exposure in childhood and violence in adulthood. • Prior evaluations have found treatment models that view violence as a result of power-control dynamics only marginally reduce reoffending. • Preliminary assessments of the ACTV treatment model have demonstrated significant reductions in continued violence. • Mind-body offender treatment programs may be well suited to address the neurobiophysiological effects of trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews and discusses the intersection of three brain networks, violence, and mindfulness practices. Research findings suggest that violence and predictors of violence are linked to neurological abnormalities in three interconnected brain networks including the salience network, the executive control network, and the default mode network. This paper also reviews findings which demonstrate that mindfulness practices and a related trait, self-compassion, lead to positive changes in the same brain systems and research results that discuss the use of mindfulness practices and self-compassion as interventions to violence. Future research directions and implications of mindfulness practices, brain networks, and violence are discussed. • Violence and predictors of violence are associated with the SN, DMN, and ECN. • Mindfulness and self-compassion are related to changes in the SN, DMN, and ECN. • Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to reduce violence. • Self-compassion is linked to less violence. • Implications and future directions of this manuscript are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recent years have witnessed a plethora of research on cyberbullying. However, many of the published studies have yielded mixed findings related to cyberbullying and its relation to demographic variables such as age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Review papers have been published on some of these topics, but comprehensive reviews of the relation between age and cyberbullying victimization and perpetration are lacking, particularly with regard to protective factors. Thus, the current paper takes a developmental approach to examine age and cyberbullying. The review focuses specifically on age variations in technology use, prevalence of cyberbullying involvement, risk and protective factors, and outcomes. Directions for future research, including implications for prevention and intervention, are discussed. Highlights • A developmental approach to ICT use and cyberbullying is discussed. • Cyberbullying risk and protective factors across ages are examined. • Notable gaps in the literature are highlighted, specifically among elementary school age youth and adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The explanation of offending and reoffending currently relies upon the Risk-Need-Responsivity model's concept of "criminogenic need" (Andrews & Bonta, 2010; Bonta & Andrews, 2017) or dynamic risk factors (DRF). This is problematic because the DRF construct is predictive rather than explanatory, and suffers from a number of conceptual problems. Relatedly, the identification and management of DRF in individuals who have committed crimes is an overriding concern for the criminal justice system. It drives the formation of correctional policy and the funding of treatment programs in prisons, forensic hospitals, and probation services. Significant theoretical work is required in order to transform DRF into explanatory tools which are useful for research and practice. In this paper we outline problems with DRF which obstruct this process and then sketch out a possible way forward; the Risk-Causality Method, with its three phases of deconstruction, analysis, and reintegration. Highlights • In this paper we outline a novel method for researchers to utilize dynamic risk factors in the explanation of offending. • Our method integrates suggestions from recent literature throughout its phases: deconstruction, analysis, and reintegration. • The analysis phase includes the psychological mechanisms underpinning factors as well as the contexts in which they manifest. • This has the potential to encourage and guide research, and eventually influence the way practitioners formulate cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the role of existential crises in crime causation. The theory presented in this paper is that a crisis of meaning is interrelated with other criminogenic factors, and that these factors together lead to frustration, which in turn may lead to aggression in some cases. Specifically, factors of anomie, boredom, mass entertainment, subculture, and gender are explored. This framework traces the influence of both social structure and culture on the individual level of motivation. This paper follows in the theoretical tradition advanced by Dollard et al., linking frustration to aggression and positing "there is a strong tendency for inhibited direct aggression to be displaced, i.e., not to disappear but to be expressed in altered form or to be directed toward individuals who were not the source of the frustration." (Dollard, 1967). The paper develops a Weberian ideal type of the anomic individual within the criminal subculture. For an additional layer of social psychological perspective, the analysis continually engages with Merton's theory of anomie. Overall, this framework invites the reader to explore the interaction of psychological, sociological, and cultural variables. By appreciating the relationship between these variables, we might recognize the motivational power of the subjective experience of acute frustration present during existential crises. The results of this analysis are directly applicable to the perennial social issue of aggression. Scholarly elucidation of the criminogenic existential crisis can provide vivid guidance to teachers, parole officers, social work professionals, and therapists from a variety of traditions. The existential perspective provides an important reason to remain attuned to the psychological vulnerability of young people. Primarily, the need for meaning-oriented leadership should be seriously considered. Another basic precept of prevention should be to provide young people with a third way between models of ostentatious affluence and nihilistic ego gratification. Additionally, boredom should be recognized as a criminogenic state of being. Importantly, the pervasiveness of criminal subcultures must be reckoned with. Rather than denying the pervasiveness of such subcultures, preventive policy should incorporate destructive or unflattering norms and behavior into a positive framework of counseling or therapy. Finally, supervision during the period of inner crisis is absolutely vital. Constructive supervision would consist of ensuring that external control is concurrent with purposeful activity and outlets for inevitable frustrations. This framework has implications for criminal justice. By focusing closely -as this paper does- on psychological drives, we begin to perceive limitations to punitive policy. As this paper suggests, external controls may merely redirect inner drives, which will tend to discover or create outlets once the external control is removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the empirical evidence related to the effectiveness of residence restrictions imposed on sex offenders for preventing sex crimes against children. This topic is important because such laws currently exist in many states and there is ongoing debate about changes in law in some jurisdictions. We build on previous reviews by narrowing our scope and applying a greater focus on important methodological features of the studies. In the absence of a body of direct tests, we examine a triangulation of empirical tests related to assumptions of residence restriction laws. The analysis suggests that residence restrictions have little potential for preventing sex offenses against children. Most importantly, the data indicate that very few sex crimes against children have been by the offender's residence near a school, daycare center, or park. Because only one direct test of this research question has been published, we make specific recommendations for future research to fill gaps and to provide more compelling evidence to policymakers. Highlights • As of 2018, approximately 29 states have residence restrictions for at least some sex offenders • Few studies bear directly on the efficacy of sex offender residence restriction laws to reduce sex crime against children • Our paper reviews empirical evidence related to the ability of residence restrictions to reduce sex crime against children • Existing empirical research suggests that residence restrictions have little potential for preventing sex crimes against children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This research deals with the phenomenon of terrorism and attempts to ascertain the true roots of its sadistic crimes. The research considers two possible hypotheses to explain this phenomenon: The first hypothesis says that since most of the perpetrators of these crimes are Muslim, the roots of these sadistic crimes are religious and based on the texts of the Qur'an and Sunnah. The second hypothesis is that since most of the perpetrators of these crimes are mostly Arabs or some of their neighboring nations, the roots of these sadistic crimes are to be found in Bedouin culture. The methodology used in this research is a combination of a historical approach and a psychoanalytic approach. The most important finding of the research is that there is no link between sadistic terrorist acts and Islam. The true roots of these sadistic crimes are cultural, namely mythology of heroes and revenge. In fact, these crimes also contradict the principles and teachings of Islam. The changes made by Islam in the societies of this region are superficial and skin-deep changes while the deep structures of these societies have remained dominated by their local culture. Arab societies have often exploited religion to justify their cultures. Highlights • This paper deals with the sadistic terrorism crimes. This is significant because it looks for the roots of this phenomenon. • It should be of interest to readers in the areas of psychology, crime, mass murder and the physiological basis of aggression. • It is the first scholarly work that studies the phenomenon of sadistic terrorism crimes in the Muslim world. • It looks for the roots of these crimes and examines what made them permissible, to boast about, and a source of pleasure. • It has come to many conclusions that give the readers a better understanding for this phenomenon and its roots. • This paper serves as a good source in an effective fight against the terrorists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to express experiences coherently and participate in effective interpersonal communication underlies many facets of human life. Not much is known about the communication abilities of mothers who are incarcerated, but it is well understood that other incarcerated populations have challenges in this domain. Research has demonstrated that communication skills are amenable to change with evidence-based interventions, and these improvements can have positive downstream effects on the individuals and their communication partners. This theoretical paper focuses specifically on incarcerated mothers because of the importance of mother-child relationships to post-release desistance, and the need to stop intergenerational cycles of trauma and problematic behaviors. We take a holistic approach to the issues that surround incarcerated mothers' abilities to participate in and benefit from communication-based intervention programs. Areas for future research are discussed, especially the need to establish a clear profile of the capabilities and limitations of this population with regards to communication. This paper advances a case, and road map, for communication intervention with incarcerated mothers, including considerations for culturally-aware programs. It also addresses the elements of good skills training and how those should be evaluated. • Improved communication has wide-ranging positive downstream effects. • Communication intervention for incarcerated mothers may contribute to desistance. • The communication skills of incarcerated peoples can be strengthened through intervention. • Interventions must be culturally aware, trauma-informed, and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Research has investigated the attitudes of a range of professional and paraprofessional staff who are exposed to men who have sexually offended. The evidence emerging from this work suggests that many factors appear to have an effect on the attitudes that staff develop, including the number of years in their job, gender, or parental status. Objectives The aim of this review is to explore these factors to determine the influence they have on the attitudes of care staff and how these attitudes subsequently influence the care and treatment provided to men who sexually offend. Method An electronic search of seven bibliographic databases was conducted to identify primary research studies in addition to scanning reference lists of existing studies and contacting experts in the field. The search generated 13,987 hits. After scanning the titles and abstracts, 51 papers were subject to the exclusion criteria. A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final synthesis process. Results A number of factors appear to be important when exploring the relationship between attitudes and the care and treatment provided to men who sexually offend. These include factors within the domains of cognitive, affective and behavioural attitudes. Conclusions The papers highlighted a range of factors that influence attitudes. These factors appear to influence the flavour of attitudes and the nature of attitudes is seen to be an influencing factor in terms of the quality of relationships between men who commit sexual offences and professional staff. However the definition of attitudes needs to be more carefully applied to empirical research. Results collected from the studies provide suggestions regarding the clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the most influential current approaches to the mechanisms of radicalisation on the basis of their empirical evidence and calls for a focus on research designs capable of arbitrating on matters of causality, not just correlation. It shows how the existing evidence converges on a handful of factors involved in radicalisation, including negative life experiences leading to fundamental uncertainty or loss of significance, which spur on the search for and identity shift towards groups with strong norms and ideals, including sacred values that enable extreme ingroup defences (e.g. acts of terrorism). The cumulative empirical data indicates support for some, but not all, kinds of interventions. Finally, because both theoretical approaches and current interventions propose cause-and-effect relationships, the paper argues that it is imperative that the field shifts its focus to experimental research designs capable of making causal inferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper offers a review of the phenomena of bullying and peer violence among children and adolescents living in residential care settings (RCS). The review was conducted on four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and ERIC). Findings of the 31 full-text papers included in the present work showed that bullying and peer violence involve various forms of direct and indirect attacks. While bullying in RCS involves severe and repeated aggressive actions, peer violence seems to be characterized by distinct levels of severity; i.e., low-level attacks are infrequent and isolated, whereas high level attacks may be severe and frequent. Several individual factors, such as age, gender, and length of stay in RCS were found to be associated with both bullying and peer violence. Contextual risk factors such as activities, structure and facility size, along with a residential peer culture characterized by a high level of hierarchy and a poor emotional bond between children and staff, contributed to bullying and peer violence. Furthermore, findings of the studies included in the present review showed that both perpetrators and victims manifest a number of behavioral and psychological problems. Overall, the present study offers a picture of bullying and peer violence among institutionalized children. However, distinct operationalization of constructs among studies, together with the use of different methods and measures, made comparisons among studies difficult. Future research should overcome these limitations in order to promote validity and compatibility of research in this field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School bullying is an important concern. Whilst there is growing knowledge about the nature, extent and effects of school bullying, areas of complexity in research findings remain. In this paper we develop our thinking on school bullying using a sociocultural theoretical framework. We review existing literature around three main themes: 1) The conceptualisation and interpretation of bullying; 2) The relational aspects of bullying 3) Bullying as part of someone's life trajectory. For each theme, empirical findings are discussed to highlight key issues, and arguments presented from relevant sociocultural theories to provide insight in each case. During the paper, we show how varying strands of research into bullying can be integrated, and how areas of complexity can be explained. Adopting a sociocultural view of school bullying presents implications for both research and practice. Bullying is contextual, and attention should be given to the situated relationships and multiple settings surrounding the behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence towards formal and informal caregivers is a frequently occurring and complex international hazard in healthcare that has a negative impact on the physical and psychological health states of caregivers. However, little is known about the prevalence and type of violence towards formal and informal caregivers by care recipients in the home care settings. The aim of this review is to obtain insight into the prevalence of violence by home care recipients against formal and informal caregivers in home care settings and the types and consequences of violence. A systematic review was conducted between March and May 2023 using the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. A methodological quality appraisal was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data collection was performed until May 2023. Out of 1087 screened articles, a total of 10 full texts were included after the screening process. Findings demonstrate that workplace violence is an understudied area of research. The few studies found in this review showed high prevalence rates of violence with risk for physical and mental injuries for formal caregivers. No information at all on violence against informal caregivers was available. Strategies for prevention and intervention against violence in the home care setting must be developed. To develop strategies, it is important to have more insight in the prevalence and types of violence. It is also important to explore violence against informal caregivers in research. Violence towards formal caregivers in home care settings is a common risk that negatively impacts the health status of caregivers. What is already known about the topic? • Workplace violence has a negative impact on the physical and psychological health state of formal caregivers. • There is a lack of knowledge on care recipient violence towards formal and informal caregivers in the home care setting. What this paper adds • No study was found that studied violence against informal caregivers; this review demonstrates the importance of exploring this topic. • In home care settings, formal caregivers are exposed to types of workplace violence that have little or no presence in the hospital setting • Sexual harassment and sexual aggression towards formal caregivers in the home care setting are underreported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a systematic review and meta-analysis of research on individual health and well-being outcomes this paper examines the consequences of witnessing, and thereby being a bystander to, workplace bullying. The review was limited to peer-reviewed primary observational studies with cross-sectional or prospective research design which included findings on outcomes among witnesses to bullying. The review identified 24 relevant studies from 13 countries. Eighty-eight percent of the studies were published from 2010 and onwards. Most studies used cross-sectional single source data from non-probability samples, mainly comprising female respondents from Western countries. Although cross-sectional findings indicated significant associations between witnessing bullying and outcomes such as mental health, job dissatisfaction, and turnover intent, the review show that we need to consider reverse causation, the witness's own exposure to bullying, their proximity and identification with the target, as well as their helping behavior, to understand the true magnitude of the association. Witnessing and being a bystander to bullying is a complex phenomenon and the magnitude of the outcomes relies on a range of third variables and indirect relationships. There is a need for more research to fully understand the consequences of witnessing bullying in the workplace. • Systematic review and meta-analysis of the research literature on outcomes of witnessing workplace bullying • Reviews theoretical frameworks, mediators, moderators, and research designs • Discusses the knowledge gaps and informs about important topics for future research • Addresses important methodological issues in research on witnesses to workplace bullying [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Both clinicians and researchers value observation as an important source of diagnostic information, especially in forensic, mental health and school settings. However, it is not well-known how reliable information collected by means of observation is. Methods The present study aimed to systematically review the literature on the inter-rater reliability (IRR) of observation of aggression and impulsivity. Results A total of 37 papers on the observation of aggression that provided information about the IRR was selected and reviewed. Forms of observation ranged from videotaped observation in a lab to participant observation in a naturalistic setting (e.g. with an observer taking part in the situation). Relatively few studies focused on observation of aggression in naturalistic settings. For various reasons, no papers on the observation of impulsivity could be included. Regardless of differences in forms and settings, the IRR of observing aggression was fair to excellent. Conclusion Different forms of observation (e.g. non-participant, direct) taking place in different settings (e.g. naturalistic or lab) can be executed reliably. This finding is encouraging for clinicians who want to make use of systematic observations in naturalistic settings. However, the relatively sparse research on these naturalistic observations underscores the need for research on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder, which affects particularly adolescents. The media coverage of feminine thinness is demonstrated as a token of beauty, with diet as a tool to achieve this. However, diets are not enough to explain the numerous cases. This disease is the symptom of a psychological disorder and looking for the origin must coincide with psychotherapeutic treatment. Multifactorial explanations seem dominate within our female patients. For most female patients, family problems and past experience with sexual assault explain this transition to anorexia. It is demonstrated throughout this paper how and why anorexia nervosa is used as a tool for identification and personalization in the assumption of autonomy and independence, and how and why anorexia becomes a defensive response to aggression. We give a clinical confirmation of the diverse origins of anorexia nervosa and of the impact of sexual abuse. This paper proposes a new therapeutic approach to patients with anorexia nervosa, in which the eating disorder is a symptom of an emotional disorder, often triggered by sexual assault or emotional deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers a historically grounded review of several biologically based developmental theories for serial homicide. Beginning with a discussion that outlines nineteenth-century etiological theories, this article guides its reader through a series of intellectual and scientific developments – all of which have contributed to our current understanding of the etiology of serial homicide. Embedded within this review is a critical examination of how social, methodological, and other such limitations have stalled and prevented the development of a meaningful etiological account for serial homicide. This author offers some direction to help researchers overcome these limitations, and suggests three additional lines of inquiry that may help to illuminate biologically-based developmental trajectories. This paper concludes by reinforcing the need for a transdisciplinary approach when studying violence risk and prevention within this population specifically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human beings are thought to have unique capacities to interpret and make meaning after major life events. However this process may be complicated and difficult after events that involve anger and aggression and when dangerousness and destructiveness come to the fore. Meaning making may be especially challenging when such an event is incomprehensible to the victim's family and society, due to the perpetrator's irreversible actions and the painful awareness that a human life has been lost. Meaning-making for the perpetrator, including owning of responsibility, in the aftermath of a serious and violent crime remains under-explored; perhaps this is because violent death is an extraordinary behavior with tragic consequences on the victim that invokes enormous anxiety at the thought of exploration. The aim of this paper is to draw upon criminological, forensic and psychology literature to provide a unified perspective on meaning-making processes and what meanings are made for and by the offender in the aftermath of homicide. From the perspective of the perpetrator, challenges might include how sense can be made of the tragedy, including how a redemptive story can emerge and in turn lead to pro-social identity changes. The paper concludes by highlighting consequences and lack of adjustment following incomprehensibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gun violence and substance abuse are prevalent, widespread public health issues that have recently received a great deal of media and political attention. In order to better understand how these phenomena are linked, this paper aims to explore the relationship between the two. First, it will describe the phenomena of gun violence and substance abuse individually. Next, this paper will detail the intersection of gun violence and substance abuse, including shared antecedents, the effect of intoxication on gun violence, and the effect of criminalization of drug use on gun violence. Finally, it will address treatment and policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the existing literature on the relationship between social media and violence, including prevalence rates, typologies, and the overlap between cyber and in-person violence. This review explores the individual-level correlates and risk factors associated with cyber violence, the group processes involved in cyber violence, and the macro-level context of online aggression. The paper concludes with a framework for reconciling conflicting levels of explanation and presents an agenda for future research that adopts a selection, facilitation, or enhancement framework for thinking about the causal or contingent role of social media in violent offending. Remaining empirical questions and new directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protective factors safeguard against undesirable outcomes such as violence, sexual violence and criminal behavior in general. While a growing body of theoretical and empirical literature has identified plausible protective factors and explored their underlying mechanisms and additional value to risk factors, little has been written concerning clinical assessment of protective factors. A challenge faced by clinicians working in correctional and forensic settings is how to translate emerging knowledge into applied approaches to assessment and treatment. The current paper explores the clinical assessment of protective factors. Within often time-pressed legal and clinical practice environments, feasible assessment methods are needed that add value to the current predominantly risk-focused assessment practice. The valid and reliable assessment of protective factors should aid in risk-management decision-making and help inform strengths-based treatment efforts. This paper aims to demonstrate ways to bridge the gap between theoretical and empirical knowledge regarding protective factors and their clinical applicability, and to highlight the added value of assessing protective factors. Several protective factor assessment tools are described and short cases are used to exemplify how consideration of protective factors can enhance clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a review of the current criminological landscape in relation to positive criminology and strengths based responses to crime. It does this by drawing on four forms of ‘offender’ rehabilitation as detailed in Fergus McNeill's (2012) seminal work. By using the four domains of psychological, social, moral and legal; this paper outlines current criminological literature, policy, and practice, highlighting some of its limitations. In all, the paper supports the call made by McNeill that in order to work with those mandated by the criminal justice system, a strength based and integrated approach to rehabilitation is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary purpose of the current paper is to review existing literature on alcohol-related aggression and propose a cohesive model to advance our understanding of this behavior. Experimental research highlights that a drinker's level of self-control impacts the aggression inducing effects of alcohol, however, assessments used to measure this type of aggression are limited. Extant investigations utilize trait self-control only, neglecting the influence of state self-regulation. Daily variation in self-regulatory demands has been found to inhibit impulse control, however, methodological techniques to assess self-regulation variation have not been applied to help explain alcohol-related aggression. The current paper argues for a conceptual model of alcohol-related aggression that integrates both trait and state levels of regulatory control. The proposed cohesive model is suggested to help explain alcohol consumption, aggressive behavior, and alcohol-related aggression. Recommendations for testing the model as well as implications of the model are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A particularly pressing problem in the correctional psychology domain is the failure to ask questions about what the targets of explanatory theories should be, and in light of this failure, researchers have arguably spent too much time constructing misdirected explanations. In this paper this issue is addressed. First, we briefly describe the aims and different phases of scientific research. Second, the explanatory dilemma currently facing researchers within the correctional domain is outlined: concentrating on crime related categories (offending types and criminal behavior) versus psychological and social ones that are conceptually distant from criminal behavior. Third, we explore the offence solution to this problem in more detail, concluding that it is fruitless to continue basing explanations only on categories of offences or offending behavior. Fourth, we examine the possible solution of shifting the focus to psychological and social problems evident in people who have committed crime. Fifth, we present our solution to the problem of selecting explanatory targets based on the concept of black boxes. Finally, we conclude the paper with a brief discussion of the research and practice implications of our solution. • Identifies target selection dilemma in correctional psychology • Explains why phenomena modelling is a crucial part of scientific inquiry • Explores benefits and problems associated with focusing on offending behavior/offense categories versus psychological problems • Provides a solution to the target selection problem using a black box model [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban concentration and rapid rural-urban migration are often considered factors that trigger violence. The empirical evidence, however, is mixed: many studies find either an undetermined or even a negative relationship between urbanization and violence. This paper reviews the literatures on urbanization, mass emotions, and ethnic conflicts to advance our understanding of the urbanization-violence nexus. We argue that the effect of urbanization on violence is conditional on local conditions such as ethnic diversity: in ethnically homogenous areas, urbanization increases economic welfare and the provision of public goods and services, therefore lowering the chances of ethnic violence; in ethnically diverse areas, the increased economic welfare by urbanization is often distributed along ethnic lines, intensifying between-group grievances and negative emotions and increasing the chances of violence. To illustrate the dynamic mechanisms between mass emotions and ethnic conflict in the process of urbanization, we present empirical evidence from our case study of Xinjiang, China. The drastic urbanization in ethnic diverse societies like Xinjiang aggravates rival ethnic sentiments and essentializes the perception of ethnic status (dominant vs. dominated), which is critical in triggering ethnic conflict events. • The effect of urbanization on violence is conditioned by the level of local ethnic diversity. • In ethnically homogenous areas, urbanization increases economic welfare, therefore lowering chances of violence. • In ethnically diverse areas, increased welfare is distributed along ethnic lines, therefore increasing between-group violence. • Policies should be implemented to mitigate potential adverse effects of urbanization on disadvantaged ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of the study was to review the most influential articles on the topic of workplace violence, while using the amount of accumulated citations as an outcome measure. Methods Hazring's Publish or Perish non-proprietary software was used to perform this bibliometric analysis. Two raters evaluated the top 50 annual and lifetime cited articles in the field. Inter-rater agreement was evaluated using Cohen's kappa. Results The mean of the top 50 cited articles on workplace violence accumulated a lifetime total of 137.7 ± 135.8 citations. The absolute number of citations of papers accumulated since publication ranged from 12 to 683, with an average of 117.1 ± 128.9 lifetime citations. In total, we report the prevalence of nine major categories that are found to comprise the main focus of both citation cohorts. A detailed discussion of the category-specific findings follows. Discussion We have identified the top 50 most highly cited papers in workplace violence, as well as the 50 papers that have accumulated the highest citation rates. The publications highlighted in this paper present currently discussed and the most influential contributions on the topic of workplace violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review examined the demographic and offence variables in group sexual offending. Eight bibliographic databases and three thesis portals were searched. The reference lists of five papers and one textbook were hand searched. Nine experts were contacted for ongoing or unpublished studies. The total number of hits was 1853, of which 55 were duplicates, 1769 were irrelevant, 14 did not meet the inclusion criteria and one paper was unobtainable. The remaining 15 papers were quality assessed before the data were extracted and synthesized. There were 2873 cases of multiple perpetrator sexual (MPS) offences in total. The majority of MPS offending in the included studies involved perpetrators in their early twenties (90% of studies) and operated as part of a ‘duo’ (49.8%). Thirty-five percent of MPS offences were committed by perpetrators with a previous conviction, with 11% of the cases showing a previous conviction for sexual offending. Offenders were most likely to approach victims outdoors with the offence itself occurring indoors. The most frequent offence behaviors included vaginal rape, multiple penetration and fellatio. A model of MPS offending is suggested based on the findings of this review. Future research should aim to explore and refine theories of MPS offending in order to understand the etiology of this unique offending group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychopathic personality disorder is the subject of many research papers and in particular in the context of forensic settings, where its link to risk of future violence has been established. This topic is well examined but there is still considerable debate about the nature of the construct and how psychopathy is measured. Contemporary models such as the triarchic theory (Patrick, Fowles & Krueger, 2009) have been put forward yet the research into psychopathy tends to rely on one assessment tool, the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; Hare, 2003) that is argued not to capture elements of psychopathy such as boldness. The Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM; Patrick, 2010) is a measure that is based on the triarchic theory, and it places an equal focus on boldness when measuring psychopathy. It is however a self-report instrument, and this approach has many limitations. This paper aims to review the scientific support for the TriPM and to discuss its potential application to clinical practice. It concludes that the TriPM may not yet be a contender for the PCL-R throne as the sole tool of choice for psychopathy measurement, but the research into the application of the TriPM is expanding our understanding of psychopathy as a construct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact sexual offenders have been proposed to hold a set of distorted core beliefs about themselves, others, and the world. These beliefs (or ‘implicit theories’) bias information in an offense-supportive manner, and are proposed to contribute to the etiology and maintenance of sexual offending. In recent years, there has been an increased research interest in online ‘child sexual exploitation material’ (CSEM) users, particularly since research has shown they are distinct from contact child abusers. In light of their distinction, it is hypothesized that CSEM users will possess their own set of implicit theories that guide their interpretation of intra/interpersonal information in a manner that influences the viewing and downloading of CSEM. Following a qualitative analysis of the existing empirical CSEM literature, an initial conceptualization of the implicit theories held by CSEM users is offered in the present paper. These include: ‘Unhappy World’, ‘Children as Sexual Objects’, ‘Nature of Harm (CSEM variant)’, ‘Self as Uncontrollable’, and ‘Self as Collector’, each of which is contextualized by a general assumption about the reinforcing nature of the Internet. The paper provides a detailed account of each implicit theory, including its content and function. Practical and research implications are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Research on causes and consequences of neurodisability has established a positive link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and risk of violence among males. The nature and contribution of TBI to violence risk in females is equivocal and research with females is under-represented in the domain. The primary objective of this paper was to systematically review the strength of results of empirical research into the relationship between TBI and violence in females. Methods Three databases were searched (PsychINFO, Scopus, and PubMed) and supplemented with citation searches (until February, 2013). Methodological rigor was appraised using the Cochrane Handbook's general guidance on non-experimental studies. Results: Only six of 153 identified papers met inclusion criteria. Three studies provided evidence of a positive relationship between violence and TBI in females specifically. The remaining found no significant gender differences between levels of post-TBI violence, suggesting females exhibit similar levels of violence to males. The studies contribute knowledge of other factors that may influence post-TBI violence in females, including psychiatric comorbidities and childhood abuse. It was concluded that the strength of evidence suggesting a relationship between TBI and violence in females is poor considering methodological limitations and scarcity of research. However, key findings herein indicate utility of further research to inform intervention and management. Results Only six of 153 identified papers met inclusion criteria. Three studies provided evidence of a positive relationship between violence and TBI in females specifically. The remaining found no significant gender differences between levels of post-TBI violence, suggesting females exhibit similar levels of violence to males. The studies contribute knowledge of other factors that may influence post-TBI violence in females, including psychiatric comorbidities and childhood abuse. It was concluded that the strength of evidence suggesting a relationship between TBI and violence in females is poor considering methodological limitations and scarcity of research. However, key findings herein indicate utility of further research to inform intervention and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews and discusses multiple sociological, psychological, and neurological risk factors associated with violent crime and proposes self-compassion, an indicator of positive mental health, as a common link among these variables. Cross-disciplinary findings have implicated neurological abnormalities resulting from exposure to violence, low self-control, lack of social bonds, and self-esteem to violent criminality. This paper contends that self-compassion is associated with each of these variables and discusses current findings that provide evidence for a link between self-compassion and violent crime. Furthermore, this paper discusses an example of an intervention that involves self-compassion. Finally, this paper discusses implications of the link between self-compassion to violent crime and risk factors associated with violent crime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there is substantial research focused on the prevalence, outcomes, and practical challenges associated with child sexual abuse, there are limited resources specific to sibling sexual abuse (SSA). As a result of the limited literature there is inadequate empirical support for policy development to guide identification, assessment, and intervention for children and families who have experienced SSA. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine and address these challenges with the goal of contributing to an evidence base that can inform policy and reduce barriers to care for children and families who have experienced SSA. Concerns related to identification including definitional issues and parental knowledge and perceptions are explored, as are those related to disclosure including child and caregiver perceptions and beliefs. Barriers related to treatment are discussed, including professional and caregiver response, and relevant cultural considerations. The paper concludes with a discussion of research and potential policy solutions aimed to address the identified challenges for children and families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex trauma is a significant public health problem in the United States (U.S.), occurring in families with chronic and compounding exposures to traumatic stressors like substance misuse, intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment (Cook et al., 2017). Yet, few programs exist to treat their intersection, challenging our ability to respond effectively and restore positive trajectories for children and families. In this context, there is a need for innovative approaches to treat these intersecting phenomena. In this conceptual paper, we identify three innovative programs that offer integrative approaches to these intersecting challenges. We analyze common elements among these programs, offering a theoretical foundation for fundamental elements of transformative services. Finally, we consider how the Families First Prevention Act could be leveraged for states to adopt and implement these programs. The goal of this conceptual paper is to advance empirical and practical discussions regarding programmatic and policy options for more effectively responding to substance misuse, and IPV in families, and the associated traumas incurred by maltreated children and their caregivers. • Substance misuse, IPV, and child maltreatment, frequently co-occur. Yet, few programs exist to address their inter-related effects. • This conceptual paper reviews three exemplar integrative programs: Child Development Community Policing, Family-Based Recovery, and Child Parent-Psychotherapy. • We identify key and common elements of these integrative programs. Specifically, we find that: 1 warm handoffs, 2) removing barriers to access, 3) relationship-based practice, 4) a trauma-informed approach, 5) strong case management, 6) providing access to services when families are in crisis, and 7) breaking down silos are important components for integrated approaches. • The federal Family First Prevention Act (FFPSA) could be leveraged to fund innovative, integrative approaches to substance misuse, intimate partner violence, and child maltreatment. • Integrative programs are important for promoting resilience and restoring positive trajectories for children and families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bullying and its electronic evolution, cyberbullying, are widespread problems among children and adolescents. Numerous studies have been conducted that address the prevalence, nature, and possible impact of cyberbullying and strategies to prevent it ( Patchin & Hinduja, 2013 ). Some recent papers have reviewed existing instruments designed to measure cyberbullying (Berne et al., 2013; Vivolo-Kantor, Martell, Holland, & Westby, 2014), while others have reviewed risk factors (Kowalski et al., 2014). The aim of the present study is to present what is known about risk factors associated with cyberbullying and cybervictimization by using an ecological framework, addressing the importance of adopting a risk and needs assessment approach to identify early who is at risk and tailor interventions. We conducted a review of cyberbullying risk factors, as well as of assessment and measurement instruments and risk and needs assessment to identify which papers fulfilled the purpose of this study. Multiple online databases ( i.e. , PsychInfo, SocIndex and PubMed) were searched to identify relevant studies. The keyword search criteria were: (bull* or cyberbull* or school viol* or juvenile delinquency) AND (risk* or threat* or assess*) AND (measure* or *method*) between 2000 and February 2015. Article titles and abstracts were reviewed, and all articles that appeared relevant were retrieved in full-text format and evaluated for inclusion in the review. In addition, articles accessed electronically were hand-searched for other relevant studies. A total of 7199 potential articles were located. Of these, only 53 were considered to be directly relevant and used for the purpose of the present work. Because of the large variability of methods, construct definitions, measures and item wording used in the different studies, a meta-analysis was not possible, therefore a narrative review approach was adopted to identify risk factors according to the ecological theoretical framework. Results regarding risk factors showed that individual as well as socio-family related factors were associated with cyberbullying and cybervictimization with some slight differences for boys and girls. The strongest risk factor that was associated with cyberbullying is school bullying. This review is of relevance because it is innovative in proposing a conceptual framework for developing a risk and needs assessment tool for cyberbullying and cybervictimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) constitute suitable tools for interventions with children and adolescents promoting their emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. Recently, in the field of bullying and cyberbullying prevention, some programs started to be implemented using the benefits offered by the virtual environments. The current paper aims to carry out a systematic review on anti-bullying ICT-mediated intervention, analyzing the characteristics of the main programs and the evidence of their effectiveness. The review conducted on three databases (PsycINFO, Scopus and PubMed) yielded 32 full text papers finally evaluated. Overall, considering the enormous development of digital tools and the importance of this experience for young students, the review underlines that ICT tools are generally under-used in prevention and intervention against bullying and cyberbullying (13 programs emerged from the search). In recent years some advances in this direction can be found with the use of different ICTs (serious game, virtual reality, online platforms, internet activities, technological solution). The need for scientific studies on the effectiveness of these virtual interventions is evident from this review and necessary in order to assist practitioners, policy makers, and administrators in deciding which interventions can work or not and why. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in the study of psychopathic traits from an evolutionary framework; however, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews regarding this issue. To address this gap in the literature, the current paper examines the evolutionary roots of psychopathy by reviewing previous research on this topic. Specifically, the potentially adaptive role of psychopathic traits during human evolution through the lifespan is highlighted. Key areas covered include the evolution of the brain (“old brain, new brain” and the emotion–logic lag), emotion regulation, aggression and its potential adaptive function, and emotions specific to psychopathy including anger and shame/dishonor. This paper (mainly in the light of the Adaptive Calibration Model) discusses how psychopathic features can be seen as a useful heritage, especially for people who have grown in harsh psychosocial backgrounds. The implications of an evolutionary approach for the comprehension and treatment of children, youth, and adults with psychopathic traits are suggested, along with directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the decision-making processes of people who kill, paying particular attention to the role of situational, interactional and emotional factors. The paper considers what killers were thinking and feeling immediately prior to and during the moments of homicide, what situational and emotional factors influence their decision to become embroiled in a lethal encounter and the extent to which they draw upon prior knowledge and ‘expertise’ in planning and/or executing homicide. The overall aim is to review existing research to illuminate whether and how those who commit homicide adopt particular cognitive processes that inform their ‘decisions’ to become involved in a lethal act. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of cognition in the facilitation and reinforcement of criminal behavior has been highlighted and recognized in numerous offender populations. Coupled with this is an emerging body of literature suggesting that offenders may, in fact, display a certain level of expertise in their offending. In this paper, the notion of offending expertise along with cognition—specifically the concept of offense scripts—will be explored in relation to firesetting behavior for the first time. Using research evidence and clinical experience this paper outlines a preliminary conceptual framework of the potential scripts and types of expertise that are likely to characterize firesetters. The content, structure, and etiological functions of these scripts and expertise are described. Future research and practical implications of the proposed firesetting scripts and expertise are also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflecting the higher prevalence of domestic violence and abuse experienced by women, and the recognised health impacts of such abuse, studies have focused on the responses of health-care practitioners to women in heterosexual relationships. Comparatively few studies have looked at the health impacts or help-seeking of men who may be perpetrators and/or victims of abuse within intimate relationships. In this paper we report on help seeking and the health professional's role based on a survey of 1368 men attending 16 general practices in the southwest of England and 31 interviews with a sample of survey respondents. The survey had a number of questions on experience or perpetration of behaviours which could be considered abusive, on whether respondents had ever been asked about such behaviours by health-care professionals, and on whether they had ever sought formal or informal help for such behaviours. Men were most likely to seek informal support from friends or family. The next most likely source of support was the family doctor. This paper suggests that health-care practitioners in general, and family doctors in particular, have a role in asking male patients about the experience or perpetration of domestic abuse and need training to do so effectively and safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective and ethical psychological practice relies on good science, and good science takes theory construction very seriously, as seriously as data collection. There is little point in developing valid research designs and sophisticated data analytic techniques if the ideas driving research are mistaken or trivial. In this paper I explore the problem of theoretical illiteracy for correctional psychological research and practice. First, I discuss why theory is important in science and the dangers of ignoring it. Second, I review the role of theory in addressing the myriad of practical problems facing human beings. Third, I outline three strategies to increase researchers and practitioners' appreciation of theory construction and development: adopting a more comprehensive model of scientific method, epistemic iteration, and promoting model pluralism. Fourth, I take an example of a core concept from correctional psychology, that of dynamic risk factors, and demonstrate how the above strategies can be used to rectify problems with this construct. Finally, I discuss the research, practice and normative implications of my approach to addressing theoretical illiteracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trait impulsivity has long been proposed to play a role in aggression, but the results across studies have been mixed. One possible explanation for the mixed results is that impulsivity is a multifaceted construct and some, but not all, facets are related to aggression. The goal of the current meta-analysis was to determine the relation between the different facets of impulsivity (i.e., negative urgency, positive urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking) and aggression. The results from 93 papers with 105 unique samples (N = 36, 215) showed significant and small-to-medium correlations between each facet of impulsivity and aggression across several different forms of aggression, with more impulsivity being associated with more aggression. Moreover, negative urgency (r = 0.24, 95% [0.18, 0.29]), positive urgency (r = 0.34, 95% [0.19, 0.44]), and lack of premeditation (r = 0.23, 95% [0.20, 0.26]) had significantly stronger associations with aggression than the other scales (r s < 0.18). Two-stage meta-analytic structural equation modeling showed that these effects were not due to overlap among facets of impulsivity. These results help advance the field of aggression research by clarifying the role of impulsivity and may be of interest to researchers and practitioners in several disciplines. • The goal this meta-analysis was to determine the relation between the different facets of impulsivity and aggression • Results showed significant positive associations for all facets of impulsivity • The associations were stronger for urgency and lack of premeditation • These results may be of interest to researchers and practitioners in several disciplines [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the findings of the first review of the research-based evidence reporting the phenomenon of elder homicide. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published across the world (between 1982 and 2018) was undertaken. A total of 33 articles were identified and appraised using PRISMA including quantitative (n = 30) and mixed methods (n = 3) studies. Four themes were identified in the synthesis of findings: victim characteristics; offender characteristics; victim-offender relationship; and offence characteristics. Through a critical discussion, these themes, and the emerging typology, are contextualised to argue that these findings could influence the improvement of policy and practice, and inform future research, for vulnerable elderly people at risk of violence and homicide. A gap identified in the literature was the lack of identification and analysis of risk factors for elder homicide which provides evidence of the need for further research on elder homicide, risk and risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of "criminogenic need" is firmly entrenched within forensic research and practice. So much so that its status is rarely questioned, and its central role in risk reduction and management is accepted at face value. However, the analogue concept of dynamic risk factor (DRF) has recently come under scrutiny, with criticisms centering upon its composite nature and lack of coherence. These criticisms challenge the presumed causality of these factors, and thus their role in practice. In order to test this assumption this paper addresses three questions: 1) how are DRF conceptualized within the recent literature? 2) How are they measured? 3) What is the evidence that they a) change, b) that these changes predict outcomes (i.e., reduced recidivism), and c) that treatment targeting DRF influences this process? The answers can provide support for or cast doubt upon the status of DRF in the prediction and explanation of offending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lack of concern for the feelings, needs or suffering of others and lack of remorse after hurting or mistreating others are key characteristics of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), otherwise identified as dissocial personality disorder (DPD) and suggest that impaired emotion processing and empathy may contribute to antisocial behaviour. Whilst psychopathy is more commonly associated with an absence of empathy and emotional affect, the nature of emotion processing and empathy deficits specific to adult male ASPD populations with and without co-morbid psychopathy has not been systematically reviewed. To determine the nature of emotion processing and empathy deficits specific to adult male ASPD populations with and without co-morbid psychopathy. We conducted a literature search across seven electronic databases and a range of grey literature sites, hand-searched reference lists of relevant papers and contacted fourteen authors of published studies related to this topic. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and quality assessments undertaken on eligible studies. Searches located 10,217 records and 205 were eligible for full assessment. 22 studies were identified as suitable for inclusion in this review and 19 reported evidence of emotion processing deficits in ASPD/DPD groups with and without co-morbid psychopathy. This review found no evidence of empathy deficits in ASPD/DPD groups with or without co-morbid psychopathy and only limited evidence of diminished startle reactivity in those with ASPD alone. In contrast, ASPD groups with co-morbid psychopathy were found to exhibit aberrant patterns of affective reactivity and difficulty when processing negative/aversive stimuli which lends support to the notion that these groups may be differentiated in terms of emotional dysfunction. However, as the majority of reviewed studies employed ASPD/DPD groups that included participants with co-morbid psychopathy/psychopathic traits and did not delineate effects for ASPD/DPD groups with and without co-morbid psychopathy, the degree to which emotion processing deficits were mediated by co-morbid psychopathy or evident in ASPD/DPD alone could not be established. Therefore, further research to compare emotion processing and empathy in these groups is required before firm conclusions can be drawn about the extent of overlap between these populations and/or the differences that exist between them. • 1986% of reviewed studies reported emotion processing deficits in ASPD/DPD groups with + without co-morbid psychopathy • ASPD groups with + without co-morbid psychopathy exhibited less startle reactivity when compared to controls • ASPD groups with co-morbid psychopathy exhibited atyical autonomic reactivity patterns/responses to affective stimuli • Only a minority of studies compared outcomes of ASPD groups with + without co-morbid psychopathy against those of controls • Further research required to determine whether co-morbid psychopathy mediates emotion processing/empathy deficits in ASPD/DPD [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has established that positive sibling relationships can be protective against peer bullying and general family conflicts, as well as improving self-esteem and development, but significantly less attention has been given to the situation when these relationships are not positive, specifically with bullying between siblings. Despite being viewed as a 'normal' part of growing up, the consequences of sibling bullying can be as harmful as that of peer bullying, if not more, and it is necessary to understand and address the problem. The current scoping review assesses the existing research on sibling bullying, with attention to what is currently known and what is yet to be understood. Four databases were searched, and 45 papers were identified and synthesised. Much of the literature was conducted in Western countries, with a focus on self-reported protective and risk factors. Moreover, much of the research has identified surface-level characteristics of sibling bullying, with limited explanation for why these issues arise. This scoping review highlights and discusses these findings and provides recommendations for further research. • Terminology and measurement tools vary substantially in sibling bullying research. • Sibling bullying has a substantial impact on mental and social wellbeing. • Involvement in sibling bullying correlates with peer bullying involvement. • Understanding of prevalence rates and cross-cultural differences are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Part of the research for the prevention of violence against women (VAW) has focused on bystander behavior due to the fact that many people in the woman's environment, while not directly related to the violence, can be witness to it. The present study applies a scoping review methodology to analyze the available scientific knowledge on helping behaviors, the factors that facilitate or inhibit them, and the proposals for intervention with bystanders in cases of VAW in Spain. Thirty-eight articles were selected from the database search, including peer-reviewed publications and grey literature. The eligibility criteria included papers related to bystanders defined as non-professionals, and studies published in Spain between 2005 and 2020, written in Spanish, Catalan or English. Most of the research uses quantitative methodology. While there are many observed factors that facilitate or inhibit the bystander behavior, few interventions are carried out to achieve a helping behavior by the bystanders. More thorough research is needed in all forms of VAW, especially because most of the information is about intimate partner violence (IPVAW). It is imperative to carry out studies that provide the necessary information to be able to intervene in all forms of VAW. • Lack of articles on intervention and intervention designs • The most researched violence against women is Intimate Partner Violence. • Most research focuses on the perception or knowledge of violence against women. • Quantitative methodology is the most widely used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotions have been studied largely within an interpersonal context but are now increasingly investigated wthin large scale social problems. This paper reviews key concepts in affective science as applicable to violent ethnic conflict. Beginning with the customary question "what are emotions?", a cognitive-motivational perspective points to the appraisals and action tendencies inherent in anger and fear, the twin emotions corresponding to fight or flight during violent encounters. Also relevant to violent ethnic conflict are resentment, contempt, sadness, shame, guilt, pride/honor, and remorse. Whether these emotions are (i) situational (state) or dispositional (trait), (ii) felt vs expressed, they have further implications for conflict. Anger, as one example of emotion, can be characterized with reference to five parameters; it can also be represented along six major dimensions of expression, as witnessed interpersonally and intercommunally. A new theoretical position is taken in which violent ethnic conflict is no longer positioned within the primordalist-constructivist dichotomy, but instead is viewed as a function of predisposing factors, precipitating factors, exacerbating factors, perpetuating factors, consequences, and enabling factors. Each of these factors may carry its own cache of emotions that interact with one another over the course of violent ethnic conflict. • Violent ethnic conflict involves emotions e.g., anger, fear, resentment, remorse, guilt, pride. • Each emotion comprises a unique combination of cognitive appraisal and action tendency. • Emotions interact dynamically and can be felt vs expressed, situational vs dispositional. • Anger in conflict can be represented with reference to five parameters and six expression styles. • Emotions can predispose, precipitate, exacerbate, perpetuate, enable, and accompany conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]