by Bandy X. Lee
First published 2018
Bandy X. Lee brings together experts from forensic psychotherapy, psychiatry, sociology, and political science to examine how violence operates across individual minds and entire societies. The contributors analyze the mental states that drive specific violent behaviors while exploring the social contexts where these acts unfold. They reveal how societal structures themselves can become sources of violence, moving beyond traditional risk factor analysis to investigate what they call "creative states" as potential remedies. Lee argues that understanding these creative psychological origins offers a path toward fostering human potential rather than simply reducing harm. The book calls for shifts in governance, policy, and collective responsibility. Volume 2 focuses specifically on violent mental states, interpersonal violence including self-harm, and the crucial differences between destructive and creative mindsets.
Genres: political-science, sociology, psychiatry, academic
Vibes: dark, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: interdisciplinary, social-commentary
264 pages · Paperback · Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Content warnings: violence