Attachment Deficiency and Violence

Over the past 50 years, the contemplation of a link between attachment deficit and the genesis of psychopathological patterns of behavior, such as repetitive violent acts, appears to be increasing in importance. Children who are victims of violence—due to dysfunctional interactions with parents, siblings, or peers or being forced to rely on unstable family structures with inadequate role models—suffer from various frustrations and often become violent offenders later in life. The development of a negative self-concept and low self-esteem deriving from a lack of empathic capabilities and understanding of compassionate feelings seems to make cruel and violent behavior not only possible, but likely.