The Biology of Violence: How Understanding the Brain, Behavior and Environment Can Break the Vicious Circle of Aggression

Book Description

There has been a revolution in neuroscience over the last ten years, and, as Debra Niehoff shows in the first book to examine violence from a complete biological perspective, now is the right time to consider how we are going to use the achievements of that revolution to reduce the level of violence in our society.

What is this new perspective that Niehoff presents? Simply that by understanding human biology we can control violence in our society. The debate over the roles of "nature" and "nurture" is over. Our genes do affect the likelihood of violence. And so does our mature brain chemistry. And so does our environment, as well as the nurturing we get as children and the social life we have with our peers. Everything affects us, but no one element is the sole determining factor. The real story that biology has shown us is that we recreate ourselves all the time, even as adults. Everything is involved in the ongoing process of life.

Niehoff brings together a wide range of research to show that we understand behavior in a totally unprecedented way, and that our ability to control violence effectively has never been greater. The awful consequences of violence for victims and perpetrators are not an outcome we have to accept. The vicious circle that connects bad genes, bad environment, and bad brain chemistry in a kind of feedback loop can be broken. As Niehoff shows, creating a caring, safe social environment is almost always the first step in halting the train of aggression.

The received wisdom is that psychological disorders such as violent aggression are too complicated, too intractable to be cured. In far too many cases, incarceration is the only solution we live with. But do so many people have to be in prison? Aren't there cheaper, more humane, and more civilized ways of dealing with violence now? Niehoff makes many surprising, fascinating, and provocative observations on the new science of violence.

Niehoff is eminently qualified to present these breakthrough ideas. A Johns Hopkins-trained neuroscientist and a biomedical communications professional, she has composed a book of vision and courage. More than merely a polemicist, here is that rare writer who can objectively and clearly present a whole new area of science and identify its explosive implications. Niehoff has a timely, powerful message. She demands science, and also compassion, in the face of violence.

Customer Reviews:

A Primer for Anger Management.......2001-05-12

This is an excellent book, well written and very intensive for understanding the dynamics involved in aggression. I find this book a primer in anger control and every helping professional must have this one available for their reference.

Found: A Gem Among the pile of Rocks!.......2001-03-20

"The Biology of violence" by Debra Niehoff is the best book on the subject I have read. I've been through over 300 books in the last three months looking for a neuro-chemical link between aggression and violence, specifically "impulsive" aggression, that from which I have, at times, suffered its unpleasant effects.

Niehoff clearly shows her education and scientific background through her writing. This book is throughougly and adeptly referenced down to the smallest detail. Every sentence informs, every page educates. I learned, for example, about the role of serotonin, the master hormone, and norepinephrine, and how they keep each other in check. One controls aggression, the other fear, both having specific receptors which, it is to be discovered, sometimes receive signals from other neurotransmitters and hormones (and also caffeine!). The role of environmental factors is given a fair and impartial comparison in conjunction with the actions of the body's hormones, increasing Niehoff's conclusion and credibility.

There is far too much information to be absorbed briefly; a detailed study is in order, well worth its rewards. I have found this work to be monumental, and while not solving the total violence problem, will at least lead the reader to make better choices at the root: the diet (foods are converted to make certain hormones and neurotransmitters). Also of interest is the treatment of insulin and its role in the body. A complete, highly informative work, unparalleled in depth and understandability by the educated layperson. Top recommendation!

The Biology of Violence.......2000-01-14

As a distinguished Doctor of Pyschology, this is an excellent book in analizing the mind of a....nevermind.

A college sstudent in southern California.......1999-12-05

this is an very good book, the evidence i present from this book in my sociology class leaves the professor annoyed with me.

Indispensable Book.......1999-07-21

I have read widely in neuropsychology and neurobiology over the last five years by necessity. This book is written by an expert with a thorough grasp of her material and the English language. This is a book with the depth needed by professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, law enforcement, probation, attorneys, judges, etc.) and the accessibility needed by laymen. Niehoff's analogies simplify complex interrelationships. Her analysis is compassionate, realistic, and sound. Her discussion of working memory and aggressive behavior is indispensible for parents of TBI children. Her discussion of PTSD and of the interplay between nature and nurture are lucid and compelling. She has an excellent introduction to brain functioning that readers will readily appreciate. When I consider the strength of the book I felt that the conclusion was somewhat weak; however, this should not deter potential readers. In another books, I would have considered the conclusion strong. I think highly enough of this book to have two copies. One for my bookshelf and the other to loan to those concerned with aggression and violence.

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Biology of Aggression
Randy J., Ed. Nelson
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0195168763

Book Description

Unchecked aggression and violence take a significant toll on society. Even if we manage to avoid being the direct victim of a violent act, the effects of aggression and violence reach us all: We hear about the mauling of a woman by an aggressive dog, our children are bullied at school, or we deal with impulsive violence while commuting to work or attending a sporting event. Reflecting psychology in general, the dominant roles of learning and environmental influences - both social and nonsocial - have traditionally been prominent in discussions of the etiology of human aggression. Biological factors have not been considered sufficiently important to investigate in the search for ways of dealing with human aggression or violence. With recent advances in pharmacology and genetic manipulation techniques, however, new interest has developed in the biological mechanisms of both non-human and human aggression. Although aggression is certainly a complex social behavior with multiple causes, molecular biological factors should not be overlooked, as they may well lead to interventions that prevent excess aggressive behaviors. The primary goal of this book is to summarize and synthesize recent advances in the biological study of aggression. As most aggressive encounters among human and non-human animals represent a male proclivity, the research in this book describes and discusses studies using the most appropriate murine model: testosterone-dependent offensive inter-male aggression, which is typically measured in resident-intruder or isolation-induced aggression tests. The research also emphasizes various molecules that have been linked to aggression tests. The research also emphasizes various molecules that have been linked to aggression by the latest gene-targeting and pharmacological techniques. Although the evidence continues to point to androgens and serotonin (5-HT) as major hormonal and neurotransmitter factors in aggressive behavior, recent work with GABA, dopamine, vasopressin, and other factors, such as nitric oxide, has revealed significant interactions with the neural circuitry underlying aggression. This book is organized according to levels of analysis. The first section examines the genetic contributions to aggression in species ranging from crustaceans to humans. The section summarizes the involvement of various neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in aggressive behavior. The third section summarizes the influence of hormones on aggression, primarily in humans. All chapters emphasize future directions for research on aggression and reveal important domains that have received comparatively less attention in this literature. Considered together, these chapters provide up-to-date coverage of the biology of aggression by some of the leading authorities currently working in this field. Biology of Aggression will direct future research to continue the recent advances in the pharmacological and genetic approaches to understanding aggression and violence. It promises to be a valuable resource for professional and student researchers in neuroscience, psychiatry, cognitive and developmental psychology, behavioral biology, and veterinary medicine.

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Neurobiology of Aggression and Rage
Allan Siegel
Manufacturer: Informa Healthcare
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Neuropsychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0415308348

Book Description

The Neurobiology of Aggression and Rage is an up-to-date review and analysis of the biological factors and processes involved in the expression and control of rage and aggressive behavior. Focusing on the understanding of the anatomical substrates of the major forms of aggression, the author also examines their basic underlying physiological, neurochemical, and genetic mechanisms. His discussions integrate various levels of analysis, including neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, genetic, and neurochemical, in which homologies are shown between humans and lower forms with respect to normal and abnormal expressions of aggressive behavior.

Aggression and Violence: Genetic, Neurobiological, and Biosocial Perspectives

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Aggression and Violence: Genetic, Neurobiological, and Biosocial Perspectives

Manufacturer: Lawrence Erlbaum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Neuropsychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0805817557

The Behavioural Biology of Aggression (Cambridge Studies in Behavioural Biology)

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The Behavioural Biology of Aggression (Cambridge Studies in Behavioural Biology)
John Archer
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Biology of Aggression (Nato Science Series D:)

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Biology of Aggression (Nato Science Series D:)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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Connections Between Sex and Aggression
Dolf Zillmann
Manufacturer: Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Sex | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0898593336

Connections Between Sexuality and Aggression

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Connections Between Sexuality and Aggression
Dolf Zillmann
Manufacturer: Lawrence Erlbaum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 080581907X

Book Description

An updated and expanded version of the 1984 edition. Addresses the relationship between sexuality and aggression from a psychological and biological perspective.

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Hormones and Aggressive Behavior
Bruce B. Svare
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Product Description

House Mouse Aggression: A Model for Understanding the Evolution of Social Behavior (Ettore Majorana International Life Sciences)

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Great for research

House Mouse Aggression: A Model for Understanding the Evolution of Social Behavior (Ettore Majorana International Life Sciences)
P. F. Brain
Manufacturer: Harwood Academic Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Customer Reviews:

Great for research.......2005-12-31

I found this book very usefull for my graduate project. It covered several things I needed I know, and was not exceedingly difficult to read like many scientific journals. If you need any information on agression, especially in commensal rodents, this book it the way to go. Includes differernt types of agression including intermale, lactating female, and close quarters.

Book Description

After many years in the boating industry and writing countless articles for your favorite boating magazines, John Fleming has put his wealth of knowledge into his new book, The Complete Guide To Diesel Marine Engines.

This book is not limited to the routine maintenance tasks or simple repairs that many engine books detail. These pages take the reader deep inside the engine by discussing the design, function and results of the entire "engine system". The book's design allows the reader to start with the basics and progress through each skill level until a thorough understanding of diesel engines is achieved.

Although this book delves deeply into the technical aspects of engines, to more clearly relate the repair procedures, the information remains extremely easy to understand and follow throughout each phase.

You will not find another book that will explain diesel marine engines as completely or easily as this book.

One fact is clear; when you complete this book you will understand more about diesel marine engines than you ever thought possible. Illustrated

Customer Reviews:

Way too general.......2002-04-12

As someone ignorant of marine diesels, I wanted a book that compared the various brands, and told of strong and weak points. I don't want to *design* an engine; I just want to know what I'd be getting into if I found a particular engine in a boat that I was interested in buying. This book isn't a guide as much as it's a theory book. I don't want to know about metal formulation of crankshaft journals, I want to know how difficult it is to replace them.

Very disapointing book. Maybe I'll like it better if I ever become facinated with diesels. The author did seem to really know his material, though, maybe too well.

Complete guide to diesel engines is complete!.......2002-04-04

For a decent hobby mechanic with a lot of experience with all types of gasoline engines but none with diesels this book was a goldmine of information for me. While it talks nothing of specific diesel engines, the theory of diesel engines, components and systems is explained in such clear, concise and easy to understand language that I couldn't put the book down. and that is a lot to be said for this type of book! The author doesn't let his extensive experience and understanding of theory get in the way of clear, concise explanations. This book is WONDERFUL!

A must have for the new owner of a marine diesel........2000-06-13

Excellent graphics and descriptions. Provided enough detail for the novice or the expert.

Average customer rating:

Don't rely on this book for Hebrew names

Complete, but not reliable

A little disappointing.

A great resource!

A Great Resource -- Goes Way Beyond Avraham & Sara

The Complete Book of Hebrew Baby Names
Smadar Shir Sidi
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Best Baby Names for Jewish Children

The New Jewish Baby Book: Names, Ceremonies, & Customs-a Guide for Today's Families

How to Be a Jewish Parent: A Practical Handbook for Family Life

Your Name Is Your Blessing: Hebrew Names and Their Mystical Meanings

Celebrating Your New Jewish Daughter: Creating Jewish Ways to Welcome Baby Girls into the Covenant-New and Traditional Ceremonies

ASIN: 0062548506

Book Description

The most comprehensive Hebrew baby name book available--thousands of listings--with advice on choosing names, naming ceremonies, and much more.

Customer Reviews:

Don't rely on this book for Hebrew names.......2005-11-22

As someone who has lived about half my life in Israel and half my life in the States, I was looking forward to reading this book. I thought it would help me find a great Hebrew name for my baby. However, the majority of the names in this book are ridiculously outdated, or even not actual names at all! The book ended up giving my husband and I a great laugh, and good sarcastic comments, but I'm going to have to keep searching other books to find a reliable one from which to name my baby. If you're an American looking to find a Hebrew name, don't rely on this book, unless you or someone you know is fluent in Hebrew and can warn you of the many catastrophic "names".

Complete, but not reliable.......2004-01-08

Don't assume that a name from this book is genuine Hebrew name and will be familiar in Israel or to a native Hebrew speaker.

Thankfully before naming my baby I ran a few names from this book by friends who are Hebrew speakers living in Israel. Some of the names turned out to be not of Hebrew origin at all when the book claimed it to be true (for example, girl's name Luz). Some they told me were my invention (Rafaela for a girl - never heard of in Israel; the book never mentioned that even though of Hebrew origin, this name is not used for girls in Hebrew). Some had the meanings wrong (Adah means "eternal", not a variant of Adi meaning adornment as the book claims).

So the verdict is, read it for ideas of what you might like, but take it ALL with a big grain of salt.

A little disappointing........2003-04-16

I was a little disappointed with this book, mainly because it was published in the 80's and the lists are those used in the 80's, and not current for today (2003).

A great resource!.......2001-07-01

I have to confess right up front that I have a "thing" for names. Therefore, I own lots and lots of "name your baby" books. For naming your Jewish baby, this book is the best! The list of names is extensive with lots of uncommon (here in the States) choices. The book provides the Hebrew spelling as well as the English spelling. There also is a rating system showing the name's popularity in the U.S. and in Israel. If you're looking for a name for your Jewish baby and you want to go beyond the usual Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, Rachel, Jacob, etc., you need this book!

A Great Resource -- Goes Way Beyond Avraham & Sara.......2001-01-07

I bought this book to find a name for my second child. I love it. My baby is not even born yet, but it has helped me and my husband a great deal.I have already lent it to my sister and a close friend who have had babies recently. They loved it too. I especially liked the additional resources in back. There are lists of names for twins (boys, girls, and both), babies born in a certain Jewish month, and around various Jewish holidays.

It seems to be quite a comprehensive list. Smadar includes notes on popularity in Israel, as well as origin, meaning, and commonality in general. Also included is a note if the name can be used by either gender. If this is the case, Smadar will tell you if it is more comon for boys or for girls. This is very useful if you dislike names that aren't clearly one or the other. There are some names that I did not realize could be used by both females and males.

In addition to the "traditional" or Biblical names the author includes many newer names and names with beautiful meanings. Smadar did a great job. I highly reccomend it.

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The Complete Book of Hebrew Baby Names
Smadar Shir Sidi
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEQIBW

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