NCJ Number
191320
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 1113-1118
Date Published
September 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examined the relationship between screen violence and violent criminality, from the standpoint of forensic psychology and psychiatric investigation, through the analysis of seven homicide case studies.
Abstract
Despite a substantial body of research indicating a significant and causal empirical relationship between screen violence (defined as visual media- television, movies, laptop or desk computers, or hand held devices) and behaving violently, little attention had been paid to the forensic psychological and psychiatric investigation of this relationship in specific homicide cases. Through the analysis of seven cases of homicide, mostly involving adolescents, five concepts were introduced to help facilitate a forensic investigative analysis and included: (1) aggression immersion; (2) theme consistency; (3) scene specificity; (4) repetitive viewing; and (5) self-editing. These concepts help professionals assess violence risk, conduct psychological autopsies, or forensically review for past violent behavior. The purpose of the study was to define and operationalize terms and methods through which such a case investigation could be undertaken. References