Causes of Violent Behavior in Individuals and Others: A Qualitative Exploration

Abstract

The qualitative study Exploring Causes of Violent Behaviors in Self vs. Others examine how violent behavior manifests in one's own behavior and in the opinions of persons who have witnessed or experienced violent behavior. The study investigated self-vs.-other violent behavior causes and variables. Participants were selected based on these criteria: 18–25 years old, enrolled in BS, MSc, and M.Phil. programs, and violent behavior screening using a violence & aggression support questionnaire. The interview lasted 30 minutes. This study investigated the reasons for violent conduct in violent people and in those who see or experience violence.  Research expert approved research procedure before data collection, and ethics were followed throughout the investigation. The Islamia University of Bahawalpur performed face-to-face, one-on-one interviews until saturation, and 7 participants were included. Participant confidentiality and informed consent were ensured before research. All ethics were considered during study and reporting.  To eliminate response uncertainty, all interviews were audio recorded, and field notes were taken. After transcription in Nvivo (20), the data were coded, classified, and organized into themes and subthemes. This study's Nvivo 20-extracted findings were 5 major themes and subthemes. Each theme is expanded using responder quotes and literature support. All participants met research sample criteria. Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed five main themes with subthemes. Themes include emotional reactivity, destructive behavior, peer influence, physiological causes, and cognitive factors. All these topics reflected participant experiences. Emotionally reactive and physiological elements were blamed for aggressive tendencies, along with peer influence, cognitive factors, and destructive actions. Further studies can examine violent behaviors on a broader sample and test interventions.