Factors Associated with Violent Behavior that Can Be
Modified or Prevented by Early Intervention
Several factors may be related to others in another category. None are in and of themselves considered causal. Most biological factors have been researched in interaction with social factors. For example, delivery complications and maternal rejection at one year have been linked to later violent behavior.
BIOLOGICAL FACTORS
Prenatal (zero to seven months’ gestation)
• Teratogens (e.g., drugs, alcohol, nicotine)
• Malnutrition
• Genetic factors
• Chronic maternal stress (including not wanting baby)
• Minor physical anomalies
Perinatal (seven months’ gestation to one month after birth)
• Delivery complications, birth trauma, head injury
• Prematurity
• Low birth weight
Postnatal (one month to twenty-four months)
• Accidents, head injuries
• Nutritional deficiencies
GENERAL FACTORS
• Low verbal IQ
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Post-traumatic stress
• Exposure to toxins (e.g., lead)
FAMILIAL FACTORS
• Parental mental illness
• Criminal father
• Low maternal IQ
• Maternal rejection
• Multiple breaks in caregivers; lack of consistent caregiver in early life
• Maternal depression
• Parental substance abuse
• Child abuse
• Parental discord
• Child neglect
• Ineffective discipline
LARGER ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
• Living below community economic norm
• Modeling of violent solutions to problems by key models
• Modeling of weapon use in community; access to weapons
• Unavailability of involved adult who teaches values and values child
• Modeling of alcohol and/or drug use to deal with problems
• Violence in entertainment: television, video games, movies, music, and toys