Contact: Maridith Geuder
Identifying human traits that can lead to aggressive or violent behavior is the goal of a new research effort under way at Mississippi State University.
Kristine M. Jacquin, assistant professor of psychology, has begun investigating the circumstances that provoke "normal" people to respond with aggression. In a laboratory setting, she is creating a controlled environment to test reactions of a cross-section of young adults to similar situations.
While much of the research to date has focused on individuals already identified as aggressive because of violent crimes or conduct disorders, Jacquin's focus begins before the violent act occurs. Specifically, she hopes to develop a system that can identify individuals most likely to react aggressively and determine why.
Jacquin initially is examining the influence of narcissistic personality traits, or a tendency to view oneself as entitled or more deserving. The roles peer influence and gender play in establishing particular responses are among several issues that will receive special attention.
"I want to determine if there's a similar perceptual bias when one chooses to respond to a situation aggressively," she explained. "The reason for aggression often is not a simple cause and effect.
"I'm particularly interested in the interplay between social and individual variables, especially personality and social interactions in influencing violent behavior," she added.
According to most current estimates, aggressive reactions account for about half of the homicides and a majority of assaults occurring annually in the United States. That's why Jacquin's research represents a significant scientific undertaking.
Her study is funded through an MSU Office of Research program that provides seed money to young faculty members with promising research projects. She plans to seek additional grant support to continue and expand her work.
Despite the challenges involved, Jacquin said it is important for psychologists to gain a clearer understanding of the influences at work to cause "normal" people to make violent decisions. In doing so, professionals will have additional tools to more successfully address the causes of aggression.
"Having this knowledge can help us do a better job of teaching children how to evaluate situations without choosing aggression," she said.
In a separate study of urban and rural law officers, Jacquin is exploring the role interpersonal problem-solving skills play in individual cases of excessive force.
Jacquin, who joined the MSU faculty last year, holds a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University, and master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Texas.