by Wayne Leon Learmond

Created on: October 14, 2009   Last Updated: October 20, 2009

There are many factors that come into play when it comes to violent behaviour. Whether or not violent behaviour is inherent within us when we are born, or whether it is learned as we are raised, is something that still occupies the minds of psychologists everywhere. What makes somebody violent? Indeed, what makes somebody violent to the point of murder? This is a question that has still yet to be answered by psychologists. Of course we could hypothesize and give any number of reasons as to why, and how violent behaviour begins, but are the clues they provide truly to our satisfaction? In this short article I shall endeavour to the best of my ability, to at least touch upon some of the reasons I believe that violent behaviour is connected to both our birth {genetics} and to how we are raised.

A child raised within a family that is, at best unloving, shows no care or attention to its needs or wants, is neglectful or blase as to where that child is when it is out, bares all the hallmarks of potential violent behaviour being continued within the child. When the child is cussed at, at every given opportunity, is abused both mentally and physically and is starved of love and attention, then one could well say and maybe predict, that that child will carry on the cycle both during childhood and in later life too.

In this day and age where feral youths are running rampage through our city centres, or hanging around on street corners causing trouble, is it any wonder that the older generation stop and stare in fear and trepidation, wondering where it has all gone wrong? When parents {who in some cases themselves are kids now, and have been classed as kids having kids} don't care enough about their own actions within the home of the child, then it is only a short step before the child themselves copy what they see at home. Because all they have known within their short lives is violence, both physically and mentally toward them then they give it back.

It is normal, and it is the only life they have known. Indeed, their behaviour becomes the 'norm' for them and the breakup of society begins in them, within their homes. Indeed, it begins with the parents, who couldn't give a damn, and ends in the children, who couldn't care less either way what happens to them. When the fear of authority is taken out of the equation then is there really any hope at all?

But, what if the child is born and brought up in a loving family? With strong family values to guide its way through life

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