Counseling and Wellness Services at Wright State University

"Being on either end of a violent situation, whether you seem to have come out with the upper hand or whether you don't seem to, it doesn't resolve anything. It escalates the problem. Hatred leads to more hatred. Violence leads to more violence."

Violence. It's the act of purposefully hurting someone. and it's a major issue facing today's young adults. One in 12 high schoolers is threatened or injured with a weapon each year. If you're between the ages of 12 and 24, you face the highest risk of being the victim of violence.

At the same time, statistics show that by the early 1990's the incidence of violence caused by young people reached unparalleled levels in American society.

There is no single explanation for the overall rise in youth violence. Many different factors cause violent behavior. The more these factors are present in your life, the more likely you are to commit an act of violence.

peer pressure
need for attention or respect
feelings of low self-worth
early childhood abuse or neglect
witnessing violence at home, in the community or in the media
easy access to weapons

Reasons for violence

What causes someone to punch, kick, stab or fire a gun at someone else or even him/herself?

There is never a simple answer to that question. But people often commit violence because of one or more of the following:

Expression. Some people use violence to release feelings of anger or frustration. They think there are no answers to their problems and turn to violence to express their out of control emotions.
Manipulation. Violence is used as a way to control others or get something they want.
Retaliation. Violence is used to retaliate against those who have hurt them or someone they care about.
Violence is a learned behavior. Like all learned behaviors, it can be changed. This isn't easy, though. Since there is no single cause of violence, there is no one simple solution. The best you can do is learn to recognize the warning signs of violence and to get help when you see them in your friends or yourself.

Recognizing violence warning signs in others

Often people who act violently have trouble controlling their feelings. They may have been hurt by others. Some think that making people fear them through violence or threats of violence will solve their problems or earn them respect. This isn't true. People who behave violently lose respect. They find themselves isolated or disliked, and they still feel angry and frustrated.

loss of temper on a daily basis
frequent physical fighting
significant vandalism or property damage
increase in use of drugs or alcohol
increase in risk-taking behavior
detailed plans to commit acts of violence
announcing threats or plans for hurting others
enjoying hurting animals
carrying a weapon

If you notice the following signs over a period of time, the potential for violence exists:

a history of violent or aggressive behavior
serious drug or alcohol use
gang membership or strong desire to be in a gang
access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns
threatening others regularly
trouble controlling feelings like anger
withdrawal from friends and usual activities
feeling rejected or alone
having been a victim of bullying
poor school performance
history of discipline problems or frequent run-ins with authority
feeling constantly disrespected
failing to acknowledge the feelings or rights of others

What you can do if someone you know shows violence warning signs.

When you recognize violence warning signs in someone else, there are things you can do. Hoping that someone else will deal with the situation is the easy way out.

If possible without putting yourself in danger, remove the person from the situation that's setting them off.

Tell someone you trust and respect about your concerns and ask for help. This could be a family member, guidance counselor, teacher, school psychologist, coach, clergy, school resource officer or friend.

If you are worried about being a victim of violence, get someone in authority to protect you. Do not resort to violence or use a weapon to protect yourself.

The key to really preventing violent behavior is asking an experienced professional for help. The most important thing to remember is don't go it alone.

Dealing with Anger

But anger and frustration don't justify violent action. Anger is a strong emotion that can be difficult to keep in check, but the right response is always stay cool.

Learn to talk about your feelings-if you're afraid to talk or if you can't find the right words to describe what you're going through, find a trusted friend or adult to help you one-on-one.
Express yourself calmly - express criticism, disappointment, anger or displeasure without losing your temper or fighting. Ask yourself if your response is safe and reasonable.
Listen to others-listen carefully and respond without getting upset when someone gives you negative feedback. Ask yourself if you can really see the other person's point of view.
Negotiate-work out your problems with someone else by looking at alternative solutions and compromises.

Anger is part of life, but you can free yourself from the cycle of violence by learning to talk about your feelings. Be strong. Be safe. Be cool.

Are you at risk for violent behavior?

If you recognize any of the warning signs for violent behavior in yourself, get help. You don't have to live with the guilt, sadness and frustration that comes from hurting others.

Admitting you have a concern about hurting others is the first step. The second is to talk to a trusted adult such as a school counselor or psychologist, teacher, family member, friend or clergy. They can get you in touch with a licensed mental health professional who cares and can help.

Controlling your own risk for violent behavior.

Everyone feels anger in his or her own way. Start managing it by recognizing how anger feels to you.

muscle tension
accelerated heartbeat
a "knot" or "butterflies" in your stomach
changes in your breathing
trembling
goose bumps
flushed in the face

You can reduce the rush of adrenaline that's responsible for your heart beating faster, your voice sounding louder, and your fists clenching if you:

Take a few slow, deep breaths and concentrate on your breathing.
Imagine yourself at the beach, by a lake, or anywhere that makes you feel calm and peaceful.
Try other thoughts or actions that have helped you relax in the past.

Stop. Consider the consequences. Think before you act.

Try to find positive or neutral explanations for what that person did that provoked you.

Learn to think through the benefits of controlling your anger and the consequences of losing control.

Most of all, stay cool and think. Only you have the power to control your own violent behavior. Don't let anger control you.

Violence against self

Some people who have trouble dealing with their feelings don't react by lashing out at others. Instead, they direct violence toward themselves. The most final and devastating expression of this kind of violence is suicide.

Like people who are violent toward others, potential suicide victims often behave in recognizable ways before they try to end their lives. Suicide, like other forms of violence, is preventable. The two most important steps in prevention are recognizing warning signs and getting help. Warning signs of potential self-violence include:

previous suicide attempts
significant alcohol or drug use
threatening or communicating thoughts of suicide, death, dying or the afterlife
sudden increase in moodiness, withdrawal, or isolation
major change in eating or sleeping habits
feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness
poor control over behavior
impulsive, aggressive behavior
drop in quality of school performance or interest
lack of interest in usual activity
getting into trouble with authority figures
perfectionism
giving away important possessions
hinting at not being around in the future or saying good-bye

a recent death or suicide of a friend or family member
a recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or conflict with parents
news reports of other suicides by young people in the same school or community

Often, suicidal thinking comes from a wish to end deep psychological pain. Death seems like the only way out. But it isn't.

If a friend mentions suicide, take it seriously. Listen carefully, then seek help immediately. Never keep their talk of suicide a secret, even if they ask you to. Remember, you risk losing that person. Forever.

When you recognize the warning signs for suicidal behavior, do something about it. Tell a trusted adult what you have seen or heard. Get help from a licensed mental health professional as soon as possible. They can help work out the problems that seem so unsolvable but, in fact, are not.

Information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for professional health and mental health care or consultation. Individuals who believe they may need or benefit from care should consult a psychologist, school psychologist, or other licensed health/mental health professional.

The American Psychological Practice Directorate gratefully acknowledges the following contributors to the publication:

Arnold Goldstein, Ph.D., Syracuse University. Center for Research on Aggression.

Fernando Soriano, Ph.D., SanDiego State University; San Diego Children's Hospital

The American Psychological Association (APA) located in Washington DC, is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. Its membership includes more than 159,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students. APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare.

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This document was produced by the American Psychological Association's Practice Directorate and MTV.

Warning Signs