Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

Birch, Philip; Kennedy, Peta

2016 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/JACPR-12-2015-0202

Purpose– Human-directed aggression by pet dogs is of significant concern (Klausz et al., 2013), and while there is evidence to suggest that public awareness surrounding this social problem has occurred, the academic literature is limited (Martinez et al., 2011). The emerging research in this area has shown that the seriousness of a dog attack can lead to negative physiological, psychological and social consequences and in some circumstances, fatalities (De Munnynck and Van de Voorde, 2002). A small-scale preliminary study was conducted in New South Wales, Australia to enhance the knowledge of dog attacks towards humans, as well as contribute to the development of larger scale studies focusing on human-directed aggression by pet dogs. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach– Utilising a qualitative approach, this preliminary study examined the lived experience of victims who had been attacked by a dog. Eight semi-structured interviews with participants were conducted and a thematic approach was adopted as the analytical framework for data analysis. Findings– The findings offer a useful insight into the context, setting and effects of a pet dog attack on humans. This study contributes further evidence towards the need for larger scale studies in this area. The results offer evidence for further research into victims of dog attacks, as well as exploring the relationship between a dog owner and the aggression displayed by their dog. Practical implications– Evidence of the physical, emotional and psychological impact on victims of a dog attack is provided through this study and as such can be used to develop initiatives to support victims. The similarities between human-directed pet aggression and other forms of aggressive behaviour is highlighted, as such initiatives used to prevent and reduce other forms of aggressive behaviour could be applied to victims of dog attacks. This study also recognises that different breeds and size of dog are capable of human-directed aggression, therefore increasing knowledge and awareness of the potential risk to potential victims. Education programmes focusing on dog ownership are suggested in order to support owners in the care and treatment of their pets. Originality/value– This study contributes to a neglected area in the academic literature compared to other forms of aggression more heavily researched. Evidence for the development of prevention and reduction techniques for this type of aggressive behaviour emerges. Implications for further research are also revealed through this preliminary study.

Denham, Renee; McGee, Tara Renae; Eriksson, Li; McGrath, John; Norman, Rosana; Sawyer, Michael; Scott, James

2016 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/JACPR-11-2015-0196

Purpose– Whilst overt bullying has received considerable attention for its negative impact on the emotional well-being of children and adolescents, peer problems such as excessive teasing and social exclusion have received less consideration. The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevalence, demographic, and clinical correlates of frequent peer problems in children and adolescents who participated in the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being. Design/methodology/approach– Participants were a nationally representative sample of 2,107 children (aged 6-12 years), and 1,490 adolescents (aged 13-17 years). Frequent peer problems (excessive teasing or social exclusion) were measured by parental report for children, and self and parental report for adolescents. Associations with a number of mental health problems were examined, including being in the clinical range for internalising and externalising symptoms, having major depressive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or conduct disorder, low self-esteem, experiencing suicidal ideation and behaviour, or using marijuana and alcohol. Findings– One in 30 children and one in 20 adolescents experienced frequent peer problems. Parents less commonly identified frequent peer problems than were self-reported by their adolescent children. Frequent peer problems were strongly associated with all mental health problems except alcohol and marijuana use. Originality/value– Frequent peer problems are associated with a greatly increased risk of mental health problems. Identifying those children and adolescents with frequent peer problems provides opportunity for assessment and intervention of emotional and behavioural problems.

Fleischmann, Amos

2016 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/JACPR-03-2015-0165

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the disciplinary measures that teachers apply to student participants in violent altercations and how protestations of self-defense and a violent record affect the measures taken. Design/methodology/approach– Israeli teachers (326) were shown fictional vignettes that recounted violent conflicts between students and were asked whether and how they would punish them. The vignettes portrayed students in three roles: aggressor, confirmed self-defender, and unproven self-defender. Findings– Confirmed self-defenders are much more leniently disciplined than unproven self-defenders and aggressors. Unproven self-defenders are disciplined almost as severely as aggressors. A violent record results in much more severe punishment of unproven self-defenders and aggressors but has only a slight upward effect on the disciplining of confirmed self-defenders. Social implications– The study reveals a difficulty in complying with a zero-tolerance approach to school violence because it collides with the right to self-defense. The intensity of discipline applied to self-defenders appears to depend on their ability to “dig up” witnesses to prove their case. Therefore, socially isolated self-defenders may be punished severely whereas social accepted ones would not. Originality/value– The results may enhance the understanding of arbitrators’ decisions in conflicts that defy attempts to determine “who started it.” They break new ground by describing the disciplinary measures taken against different role-players in fracases and are immensely important for understanding peacemaking measures in school and the “real world.”

McDermott, Christine M; Miller, Monica K

2016 Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/JACPR-09-2015-0186

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between moral disengagement, individual differences (i.e. need for cognition (NFC), faith in intuition, legal authoritarianism) and responses to vigilantism. Design/methodology/approach– US university students were surveyed. Findings– NFC reduced support for vigilante justice while legal authoritarianism increased support for vigilante justice. Both relationships are mediated by moral disengagement, which also increases support for vigilante justice. Research limitations/implications– The present study provides a starting point for further research on individual differences and responses to vigilantism. Practical implications– Results expand on the understanding of the function of individual differences in a morally charged decision-making task. Content has implications for academics and legal practitioners. Originality/value– Vigilante justice is embedded within American culture. However, vigilantism is currently illegal, and recent instances of what might be considered vigilante justice (e.g. George Zimmerman, David Barajas) have highlighted the controversy surrounding such extralegal violence. Little research has focussed on the moral quandary posed by vigilantism.

Murray, Christine; Bunch, Rick; Hunt, Eleazer D.

2016 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/JACPR-01-2016-0209

Purpose– Recently, there has been increased attention to community- and neighborhood-level influences on rates and experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV). The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to geographically analyze these influences in order to enhance community-level understanding of and responses to IPV. Design/methodology/approach– The authors review existing literature supporting the needs for this level of analysis, and then they present eight steps for researchers and practitioners to use when applying GIS to analyze IPV. Findings– This is a conceptual paper. Research limitations/implications– This paper offers researchers and practitioners suggested strategies for using GIS analyses to examine community-level influences on IPV in future research. Practical implications– The practical implications of using GIS analyses are discussed, including ways that the findings of these analyses can be used to enhance community-level resources to prevent and respond to IPV. Social implications– This innovative, interdisciplinary approach offers new insights into understanding and addressing IPV at a community level. Originality/value– To date, there has been minimal research used to apply GIS analyses to the problem of IPV in communities. This paper presents a framework for future researchers and practitioners to apply this methodology to expand on community-level understanding of IPV.

Carolan, Gene

2016 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/JACPR-02-2016-0214

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the structural features that are proving central to the stability of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and those features that were detrimental to its predecessors. Design/methodology/approach– This paper adopts a legalization framework derived from the model presented by Abbott et al. The simplicity of Abbott et al.’s theory allows for variation in the agreements’ text to be easily measured and compared. The inherent advantages of this model offset the difficulties in characterizing peace agreements under traditional legal methodologies, and reiterate the importance of legalized agreements in a conflict resolution context. Findings– This paper finds that a more highly legalized approach to peace-making has resulted in greater agreement stability in the Philippines. More precise in detail and inclusive in scope, the legal nature of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement has made it more responsive to the root causes of the conflict, and resilient to incidents that threatened to derail the peace process. Practical implications– This case study bears valuable lessons for conflict zones the world over, particularly the troubled negotiations on Syria, and the crisis in Ukraine. The study: lends tentative support to Gopalan’s claim that agreements that exemplify hard legalization are much more sustainable in the long run; stresses the advantages of inclusivity in agreement sustainability and stability; reiterates the importance of addressing the key issues relevant to the conflict if the process is to be sustainable, and; notes the limitations of the legalization framework, but presents the Philippine example as a blueprint for addressing various aspects of the Syrian and Ukrainian conflicts. Originality/value– This is the first peer-reviewed analysis to explore the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement as a highly legalized conflict resolution instrument, and an adaptable template for peace agreement design generally.