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Abstract: This paper began by suggesting that culture might influence how people construe workplace bullying. Referring back to the studies of cultural differences in cognition, it was suggested that people of the Far East might construe workplace bullying differently from the people of Western countries. Taking South Korean culture as an example, this paper explained how historical background and culture shaped Korean''s psyche in relation to workplace bullying. Currently available evidence was discussed including the way Koreans construed workplace bullying and how close social bonding might act as a buffer against a conflict escalating into bullying. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a significant public health concern globally with substantial impact on the health of victims. Although research on IPV has increased substantially over the past several decades, effective evidence-based interventions to address IPV behaviors by men remain limited. The IPV field has lacked a comprehensive review of the status of research across the broad areas that have been found to be associated with use of IPV behaviors. This paper reviewed quantitative research studies of the genetic, neurocognitive, neuroendocrine, and selected environmental underpinnings of IPV behavior in men to develop a conceptual model. To date, environmental studies have been the most extensive with focus on early life adversity, trauma, attachment and substance misuse. Head injuries and neuropsychological impacts have indicated deficits in cognitive flexibility and executive functioning related to the prefrontal cortex are common in men who use IPV. Fewer studies have examined neuroendocrine or hormonal factors impacting IPV behavior but there is some evidence that cortisol and testosterone may play a role. Genetics factors have been the least explored, although there is emerging evidence of genetic heritability, and gene by environment interactions. A more comprehensive understanding of biological, psychological, and social factors will advance future IPV research and intervention. • Men who use IPV may have deficits that impact cognitive flexibility, mental organization, impulsivity, and emotion regulation. • Both biological and environmental factors contribute to IPV behaviors in men. • A comprehensive model of IPV that includes genetics, neurobiology and environment will move IPV research and intervention forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As Kuhn (1970) has noted, most scientific fields go through processes of paradigm change, painful periods in which old theories no longer fit available data and are placed by new theories. Such periods typically create strife and debate as ideological differences emerged between proponents of old and new theoretical approaches. In the current paper, we argue that such a period has been reached within the field of aggression research. Over the past half-century, social cognitive and social learning paradigms of aggression, exemplified in the General Aggression Model (GAM) have retained dominance, particularly in areas such as media violence. We contend that data to support the GAM and social cognitive approaches to aggression have never been conclusive, and newer evidence increasingly suggests that the GAM and social cognitive theories of aggression more generally are not adequate to explain aggressive phenomena. We discuss weaknesses and problematic, sometimes hidden assumptions of the GAM and how these reduce the utility of this paradigm. Current evidence suggests that the GAM and the social cognitive paradigm of aggression should be retired, and approaches which focus on diathesis-stress hold greater promise. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The importance of cognition in the facilitation and reinforcement of criminal behavior has been highlighted and recognized in numerous offender populations. In particular, professionals have theorized that various offender populations hold offense-supportive schemas or implicit theories that require treatment in therapy. However, the role of cognition in deliberate firesetting has received no focused conceptual or theoretical attention. Using current research evidence and theory relating to general cognition and the characteristics of firesetters, this paper outlines a preliminary conceptual framework of the potential cognitions (in the form of implicit theories) that are likely to characterize firesetters. Five implicit theories are proposed that may be associated with firesetting behavior. The content, structure, and etiological functions of these implicit theories are described as well as the cognitive similarities between firesetters and other offender types. Future research implications and practical implications of the proposed implicit theories are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]