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Debra Niehoff

The Biology of Violence (How Understanding the Brain, Behavior, and Environment Can Break the Vicious Circle of Aggression) Hardcover – January 6, 1999

by Debra Niehoff (Author)

4.7 15 ratings

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A study traces violent behavior to changes in the chemistry of the brain that occur over a lifetime in response to particular environments

Print length

368 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Free Press
Publication date

January 6, 1999
Dimensions

6.5 x 1.25 x 10 inches
ISBN-10

0684831325
ISBN-13

978-0684831329
See all details

Adrian Raine
637
Paperback
29 offers from $9.17

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this ambitious book, Niehoff presents biology's latest findings on the development of violent behavior in an effort to answer a simple question: "Why do people hurt each other?" Aggression, she argues, like all complex behavior, "is a biological process... that begins and ends in the brain." Drawing on a wealth of research in neurobiology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics and anatomy, Niehoff explains in precise prose that the old nature/nurture debate is obsolete: innate drives do not define character from birth, nor, she contends, do environments alone determine our predilections. Rather, she believes, the chemical reactions of the brain develop in constant and complex reaction to the environment. Niehoff resists the temptation to dumb down science, but she does a fine job of elucidating difficult concepts to make them accessible to general readers. In the last chapter, she appraises our current treatment and punishment of criminals and finds that most of our nation's drug and penal policies actually elicit violent, antisocial behavior. Solitary confinement, for example, leads to increased levels of violence in laboratory animals; Niehoff believes isolation of prisoners yields similar results. Though the real world is certainly more complicated than the laboratory, her proposed methods of curbing violence (which include prenatal care, cognitive behavioral therapy and careful use of psychopharmacology) are thought-provoking, and this book is a fine contribution to a debate often clouded by emotion. 7 b&w photos; 9 tables; 24 drawings.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Scientific American

Niehoff, a neuroscientist, asks why some people are violently aggressive toward others and what can be done about it. Her answer to the first question is that a person's encounters with the outside world have lasting effects on the neurobiological processes that underlie behavior. "Negative interactions increase the perception of threat; over time, the process may develop into a 'vicious circle' that leads to violence." Her answer to the second question is counseling and perhaps medicine for the aggressive person and social intervention to deal with the environmental conditions that provoke violence. "Repairing communities, ensuring the welfare and safety of children, sheltering battered women ... and actually caring for the mentally ill does cost money. On the other hand, the alternative--building, staffing, maintaining, and populating more prisons--is going to cost a fortune."

From Booklist

Getting a highly controversial topic out of the either-or rut in which most discussion of it is mired is one of the most difficult tasks an author can undertake. Niehoff does just that, though, and merits considerable praise for a book that undoubtedly will bring her more abuse than good will. She asks, Is violence the result of genes or of the environment? Practically anyone will prove able to keep the argument for one or the other going as long as listeners will bear it. Such arguers, Niehoff clearly and winningly demonstrates, are clueless, though, and not only impede everyday discussion but also, at higher academic levels, hinder research, publication, and general education. Look inside the human brain, she says. Do we really know much about the relationship between inner and outer worlds? Closely argued, thoroughly documented, and beautifully worked out, Niehoff's book shows how genes and environment modify one another and add up to uniqueness in each person. William Beatty

From Kirkus Reviews

A masterful, much-needed primer on how a disruption of the interweaving of biology and environment can lead people to hurt each other. This makes clear that most current rhetoric on the subject is totally out-of-date and must be discarded. Niehoff , who has done research herself in neurobiology, points out that the last 25 years of studies in the neurosciences have given us myriad tools to reduce the level of violence in society; we now need to stop reacting (basically, sending increasing numbers o f people off to prison) and start thinking about solutions from a new perspective. Niehoff begins with an historical overview of our antipathy toward biological explanations of aggression. Many such efforts, she acknowledges, have been racist at their cor e. But the new perspective of ``holistic biology'' is based on greater understanding of the physical processes of the body, and on how they continue to develop for years after birth in response to ones surroundings. ``Behavior is a dynamic process integra ting physiology and experience,'' Niehoff writesin short, biology is not destiny. Another popularly held notion to discard, Niehoff explains, is that violence is a single entity with a single cause, always to be treated in the same way. At the center of t his work is a comprehensive tour of the relevant structure and function of the nervous system, in which Niehoff makes clear the different types of aggressive responses, how they arise physiologically, at what different points and from what causes the syst em can go awry, and at what different junctures critical and effective interventions can be made. Finally, Niehoff pulls together all her evidence into a well-based practical treatment plan for violence in societyone that we have the ability to embark on now. Throughout, Niehoff informs, rather than sensationalizes. This should be required reading for the powers that be, and those who cling to outdated notions about violence and crime. We really can do better. (b&w illustrations) -- Copyright ©1 998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Free Press; 1st edition (January 6, 1999)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0684831325
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0684831329
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.46 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.25 x 10 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #641,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #403 in Biochemistry (Books)
- #1,729 in Environmental Science (Books)
- #3,786 in Behavioral Sciences (Books)

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4.7 15 ratings

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Matthew Smith

An extraordinary work that is still relevant

Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2008

Verified Purchase

Even though this book was written ten years ago, and since then there have been some tremendous steps forward in our ability to see and map brain function this work more than stands the test of time, and this book still remains an invaluable piece of scholarship for the novice, professional or anyone who is interested in how our brains function and the role biology plays in shaping who we are. This author has written a great book that is very accessible and scholarly. This is just a superb book that tackles a very deep and difficult topic with an engaging writing style and depth of knowledge that brings the reader along effortlessly. Unfortunately there are very few scientists with her expertise that also have the ability to convey that expertise in such a way that is so accessible also.

There have been huge strides in this field since this book was written, but this book is still very much relevant. I have been focusing more on ethology and sociology and was looking for a book that dealt with the biology of human behavior to give myself a more balanced understanding. At first I put off reading this book since it was older, but after being disappointed by some other books and hearing some more good things about this book I decided to give it a try, and I could not have been more pleased that I did.

The author explains in great detail how the brain functions, and how different chemicals affect different aspects of brain function. This is an area I usually have difficulty with, but the author did a wonderful job linking what the chemicals do biologically to the brain with how that affects behavior. Coming in to this work I had a very superficial understanding of how the brain works, but this book greatly enhanced my understanding in a way that was accessible. As she discusses the affects that too little or too much of certain chemicals has on brain function she then takes the reader out of the classroom or laboratory and takes them out into the world and gives us examples of real experiences to further illustrate the affects which brings this work out of the world of the abstract and makes the information real and tangible for reader. It was this connection that made this work so powerful. Whether she is describing the affects of serotonin levels on lab mice, or talking about the affects of PTSD on soldiers or battered women she makes sure there is a very real connection between the academic and scholarly with how that plays out in our ordinary lives.

I was also amazed at how the author was able to limit her work to the biological, and yet at the same time not minimize the affect of experience (nurture). This has been the downfall of many other authors and books because they tend to want to emphasize either nature or nurture while dismissing the other. But not Dr. Niehoff who does a great job at continually emphasizing that while biology plays an important role in who we are we are not slaves to our biology. It is instead a careful balancing act between nature and nurture. It is more like a seesaw with each playing a role in each function to varying degrees. She was able to instill this point in this book without having to broaden her focus which is commendable and quite the achievement at the same time.

This is a great book that is obviously authoritative and scholarly but accessible enough for the novice such as myself. The author has a terrific writing style that makes this book as entertaining as it is enlightening. I truly hope this book doesn't get relegated to the back shelves of science simply because it has gotten a little older because it has a wealth of information that is just as important and relevant today as it was when it was first published. Give this book a read; you will not be disappointed.

7 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

A Primer for Anger Management

Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2001

Verified Purchase

This is an excellent book, well written and very intensive for understanding the dynamics involved in aggression. I find this book a primer in anger control and every helping professional must have this one available for their reference.

5 people found this helpful

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Haseeb

the neurological foundations of violence and aggessive behavior

Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2010

Although this book is excellent and explains things well, it is probably not a good place to start before acquiring good foundation of neurobiology. With that said, most highly motivated people can read and understand the content of this book if they apply significant thought to what they are reading and use appropiate reference materials. Just be forwarned that this is not a book for bedside nor casual reading.

This book gives us a very good overview of the neurological foundations of violence and aggressive behavior. Through the author's use of diagrams, personal stories and detailed explainations we are given some very interesting information which will go a long way in explaining and characterizing aggression/violence.

I am a little curious as to why the author did not use the concept of long term potentiation (LTP) at all. I know that LTP is a relatively new concept in neuroscience and is not the easiest thing to understand, but it would have made many of her explainations much simpler. Had I not understood how LTP takes place, I would have been left scratching my head in quite a few parts of this book. The notion that excessive stress will cause LTP in the amygdala and neuron death or excitotoxcity in the hippocampus gives us a lot of insight into why people tend to get locked into vicious cycles of aggression/violence and also explains PTSD.

With that said, Joseph LeDoux explains LTP beautifully in his book "The Emotional Brain". I would suggest reading and studying his book before reading this one.

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Matthew McGinley (real name™)

Found: A Gem Among the pile of Rocks!

Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2001

"The Biology of violence" by Debra Niehoff is the best book on the subject I have read. I've been through over 300 books in the last three months looking for a neuro-chemical link between aggression and violence, specifically "impulsive" aggression, that from which I have, at times, suffered its unpleasant effects.
Niehoff clearly shows her education and scientific background through her writing. This book is throughougly and adeptly referenced down to the smallest detail. Every sentence informs, every page educates. I learned, for example, about the role of serotonin, the master hormone, and norepinephrine, and how they keep each other in check. One controls aggression, the other fear, both having specific receptors which, it is to be discovered, sometimes receive signals from other neurotransmitters and hormones (and also caffeine!). The role of environmental factors is given a fair and impartial comparison in conjunction with the actions of the body's hormones, increasing Niehoff's conclusion and credibility.
There is far too much information to be absorbed briefly; a detailed study is in order, well worth its rewards. I have found this work to be monumental, and while not solving the total violence problem, will at least lead the reader to make better choices at the root: the diet (foods are converted to make certain hormones and neurotransmitters). Also of interest is the treatment of insulin and its role in the body. A complete, highly informative work, unparalleled in depth and understandability by the educated layperson. Top recommendation!

24 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

A must for anyone who wants to understand violent behavior.

Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 1999

This was an excellent book. Well written and easy to read. A book grounded in research rather than speculation. I recommend this book to anyone who who wants a better understanding of the complexities of violent behavior or who must work with violent people. I have added this book to the recommended reading list on my web site and will strongly recommend it to my students.
David Center, Ph.D.

12 people found this helpful

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Dr. Alowicious Jamal Graham

The Biology of Violence

Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2000

As a distinguished Doctor of Pyschology, this is an excellent book in analizing the mind of a....nevermind.

2 people found this helpful

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