Psychologist outlines factors that can trigger violent behaviour

Psychologist Samanta Clara Elserm, S.Psi, M.Psi, states that family background, parenting patterns, and the environment are factors that can trigger the emergence of violent behaviour in an individual.

When contacted by ANTARA on Wednesday, the official of the Indonesian Psychological Association (HIMPSI) noted that in psychology, there is a term known as the cycle of violence.

She explained that children raised with harsh parenting styles may perceive violent acts, such as hitting and verbal abuse, as a form of discipline or an acceptable way to control others.

“If from a young age a child is raised in an environment that considers hitting, verbal abuse, and confinement as ways to resolve problems or as forms of discipline, their brain will record that violence is a natural way to act when angry or when wanting to control others,” she said.

Samanta noted that adverse childhood experiences can also affect an individual’s emotional development into adulthood.

Children who experience or witness domestic violence, according to her, are at risk of experiencing emotional developmental disorders if they do not receive adequate treatment.

“In adulthood, some people who do not receive trauma recovery will change their roles, from being a victim to becoming a perpetrator, so that they no longer feel weak,” she said.

According to her, many individuals who had bad experiences during childhood can break the cycle of violence through social support, education, and professional assistance.

In addition to family background, parenting patterns, and bad childhood experiences, social environmental conditions also play a role in shaping an individual’s behaviour.

“A toxic social environment, a lack of emotional education, or even the tolerance of aggressive behaviour can also foster a tendency towards violence within an individual,” said Samanta.

A woman from Bandung Regency, who had been reported missing from her family since 2023, was found in critical condition in a hospital after being held captive and abused by her partner for three years.

To her father, the victim admitted to experiencing extremely cruel abuse over the last three years.

During that period, the perpetrator frequently moved the victim from one boarding house to another in the Cileunyi area, Bandung Regency, in order to avoid suspicion from local residents.