Psychologist outlines factors that can trigger violent behaviour

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Psychologist Samanta Clara Elsener, S.Psi, M.Psi, Psikolog, stated that family background, parenting styles, and environment are among the factors that can trigger violent behaviour in a person. When contacted by ANTARA on Wednesday, the Indonesian Psychological Association (HIMPSI) official explained that in psychology there is a concept known as the cycle of violence. She elaborated that children raised with harsh discipline may perceive violent acts such as hitting and verbal abuse as acceptable forms of discipline or ways to control others. “If from childhood a child is raised in an environment that considers hitting, verbal abuse, and confinement as ways to solve problems or as discipline, their brain will record that violence is normal to use when angry or wanting to control someone,” she said. Samanta noted that adverse childhood experiences can also affect a person’s emotional development into adulthood. According to her, children who experience or witness domestic violence are at risk of developing emotional disorders if they do not receive adequate support. “When they grow up, some individuals who have not undergone trauma recovery will switch roles, from being victims to becoming perpetrators so they no longer feel weak,” she said. She added that many individuals with difficult childhood experiences can break the cycle of violence through social support, education, and professional help. Beyond family background, parenting styles, and adverse childhood experiences, social conditions also play a role in shaping a person’s behaviour. “A toxic social environment, a lack of emotional education, or even tolerance of aggressive behaviour can also cultivate violent tendencies in a person,” Samanta said. A woman from Bandung Regency who had been out of contact with her family since 2023 was found in critical condition in hospital after being confined and abused by her boyfriend for three years. She told her father that she had endured extraordinarily cruel abuse during that period. Throughout that time, the perpetrator frequently moved the victim from one boarding house to another in the Cileunyi area of Bandung Regency to avoid arousing suspicion among local residents.