Understanding precursors to violence with educational context
This checklist provides an overview of behavioral patterns and indicators often studied in forensic psychology as potential precursors or correlates to violent and serial offending.
It is crucial to understand that the presence of one or more of these behaviors does NOT automatically indicate future violence, but rather serves as a guide for further assessment and understanding within a broader psychological context.
This tool is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or prediction of individual behavior.
A set of three behavioral characteristics first proposed by J.M. MacDonald in 1963. While controversial and not a definitive predictor, it remains frequently discussed.
A significant history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or severe family dysfunction
Difficulty forming meaningful connections, being a loner, or experiencing significant bullying
An inability to understand or share the feelings of others, and a lack of guilt or regret for harmful actions
Preoccupation with violent media, weapons, or morbid topics beyond typical curiosity
A history of increasingly severe antisocial or criminal acts, starting from minor infractions and progressing to more serious crimes
An intense and often elaborate fantasy life, particularly involving themes of power, control, violence, or sexual deviance, which may serve as a rehearsal for future acts
Persistent and unwanted attention, harassment, or surveillance of an individual, often preceding direct violence
Atypical sexual interests that may involve non-consenting individuals, pain, or humiliation, which can be acted out in violent crimes
Chronic use of drugs or alcohol, which can lower inhibitions and exacerbate aggressive tendencies
Difficulty regulating emotions and behaviors, leading to impulsive and often destructive actions