3. Strategy #1: Self-Control
Duffy and Finkel (2009)
Aim: To investigate whether self-control exercises would decrease
aggressive behavior in interpersonal relationships.
Method:
Had individuals take a survey about their likely reactions to
upsetting situations. (Cheating, Insults, etc.)
Half then participated in a self-control exercise for two week. (Off
hand use: Only using Left hand for tasks such as brushing teeth,
or verbal alterations: Not using abbreviations)
Results: Those who practiced self-control were less likely to display
aggressive responses on the following survey than the control
group.
Conclusion: Self-control exercises help limit violent behavior.
Critical Thinking?
4. Strategy #2: Yoga
Bilderbeck et al (2013)
Aim: To investigate the impact of Yoga on inmates’
aggressive behaviors.
Method: Studied 100 prisoners from 7 U.K. Prisons.
Half were assigned to a 10-week Yoga program and
the other half were a control.
Results/Conclusions: Yoga increased self-control and
attentiveness and self-reported less aggressiveness
towards other inmates and less stress.
Critical Thinking?
The Horizon Story - Urban Yoga
5. Strategy #3: Empathy Training
Feshbach and Feshbach (1982)
Aim: To investigate the impact of empathy on childhood
violence rates.
Method:
Trained children (8-12 years old) to imagine how they would
feel in other children’s circumstances, to recognize the feelings
of others, and to try to share their emotions.
Findings/Results: Empathy trained students displayed less
aggressive behavior on the playground than the control
group.
Critical Thinking?
6. Strategy #4: Anti-Bullying
Programs
Jeong and Lee (2013)
Aim: To determine if anti-bullying programs are effective
in reducing violence.
Method: Analyzed results from 7000 students from all 50
states.
Findings: Students in schools which employed anti-
bullying programs are more likely to experience peer
victimization.
Conclusion: Anti-bullying programs are ineffective at
reducing violence in schools.
Critical Thinking?
Are Anti-Bullying Programs Working?
7. Strategy #5:
The Metropolitan Area Child Study
Research Group (2007)
Overview of program:
A Classroom Program: Empathy training and Problem-
Solving Skills.
Training in Social Skills: Small group sessions with
peers focusing on problem solving.
Family Counseling: Lessons and family specific
discussions on issues.
8. The Effectiveness of MACS
MACs found that their program was successful in
limiting violence to certain subgroups (moderate
resource communities) but were ineffective working
with low resource communities.
9. Evaluation of the MACS Program
Geurra et al (2006)
If aggression and violence is seen as normal
in a community and it pays off (increased
attention from authority and peer status) it is
likely to continue in spite of intervention
programs.
10. Strategy #5: Mindfulness
Franco et al (2016)
Aim: To analyze the effects of a mindfulness training on impulsivity and
aggression levels in a sample of high school students.
Method:
Participants: 27 high school students from Spain (14 Boys, 13 Girls) who had
shown behavioral issues at school.
Had a treatment group of 14 students perform mindfulness on a daily basis for 10
weeks.
Measured impulsivity and aggression rankings using scientific measures and
surveys.
Findings: Participants in the treatment showed significant decreases in
verbal & physical aggression as well as hostility towards others.
Conclusions: Mindfulness is effective at reducing violence thoughts,
feeling, and actions in teens.
Critical Thinking:
11. An Example Program:
Crushers Club
Englewood Crusher Club
Crushers Club Website
Is this program effective? If so, what psychological concepts help
explain why this program seems to work?
12. Human Relationships Letter
Your Task: You will write a letter to a real life decision maker that explains you
viewpoint on a real issue in our world dealing with violence. You will be writing to
inform them on the origins of the problem, impacts it has on people, and
strategies to reduce violence.
Key Point: You should be using your knowledge from Psychology but it should
not be written like an EWR. Write it with your authentic audience in mind.
Possible Topics:
Fights at TuHS
Inner-city Violence
Sexual Assault on College Campuses
Violence on Airplanes
Syrian Refugees
Bullying
Others?
13. Steps to Writing Your Letter
Greeting: Greet your recipient with respect and introduce
yourself.
Issue Overview: Provide a clear overview of the issue
that you are concerned about. Use statistics, quotes, or
other forms of evidence when appropriate.
Position/Ask: State your position on the issue and what
you would like to see be done to address the problem.
Points: Use psychology to defend the need for the
changes or the effectiveness of your position.
Conclusion: Provide resolution to your letter.
