Description
Book SynopsisShows that the myth that mental illness is strongly linked to violence makes us all less safeMass shootings have become a defining issue of our time. Whenever the latest act of newsworthy violence occurs, mental illness is inevitably cited as a preeminent cause by members of the news media and political sphere alike. Violence and Mental Illness: Rethinking Risk Factors and Enhancing Public Safety exposes how mental illness is vastly overemphasized in popular discussion of mass violence, which in turn makes us all less safe. The recurring and intense focus on mental illness in the wake of violent tragedy is fueled by social stigma and cognitive bias, strengthening an exaggerated link between violence and mental illness. Yet as Eric B. Elbogen and Nico Verykoukis clearly and compellingly demonstrate in this book, a wide array of empirical data show that this link is much weaker than commonly believednumerous other risk factors have been proven to be stronger predictors of violence. In
Trade ReviewDeftly balances evidence-based public policy with respect for the welfare and dignity of people with mental disorders to propose alternative ways of predicting, measuring, and ultimately deterring violent behavior. -- Thomas Joiner, Robert O. Lawton Professor of Psychology, Florida State University
Excellent and timely. The authors skillfully show how numerous risk factors have been proven to be stronger predictors of violence than mental illness; their suggestions for policy changes are urgent and immensely necessary. This is a must-read for anyone interested in addressing the epidemic of gun violence in America. -- John Monahan, John S. Shannon Distinguished Professor of Law, University of Virginia
An accessible resource for understanding the complex relationship between mental illness and violence. It challenges common misconceptions and provides a balanced perspective grounded in extensive research. This book equips readers with the tools to critically interpret research in this field and advocates for a more informed and nuanced view of mental illness and its connection to violence. * Intelligence, a publication of Protect International *
