Factsheet
Violence in Adolescents: Risk Factors and Antidotes
This new factsheet is by our Foundation Ambassador, Clinical Physcologist, Andrew Fuller. Thanks to Andrew for allowing us to share his work.
Two recent releases have prompted this article: the Netflix series Adolescence and the 2025 Reith Lectures from the BBC on Violence. Both are highly recommended.
In the Reith Lectures, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Gwen Ashead outlines seven factors that contribute to a violent mindset. While there is no single type of violent person, these factors act like numbers in a combination lock—the presence of more factors significantly increases the likelihood of violence.
Drawing on my work with violent, extremist, and aggressive young people, I have added two more factors, bringing the total to nine.
Each factor is paired with an example and an evidence-based intervention strategy to help prevent violence before it occurs.
1. Mental Rigidity in Social Situations
Black-and-white thinking, lack of nuance, low empathy.
Example:
To Kill a Mockingbird — rigid racial assumptions lead to the wrongful conviction of Tom Robinson.
Antidote:
Theory of Mind & Perspective-Taking. Activities like role-playing, literature analysis, debate, and group reflection can build empathy and cognitive flexibility.
2. Hyper-Individualism
Radical self-sufficiency eroding mutual responsibility.
Example:
Many modern mass shooters view themselves as lone crusaders.
Antidote:
Belonging Projects. Encourage students to contribute meaningfully to community, promoting CPR: Connecting, Protecting, and Respecting.
3. A Personal Moral Rulebook Disconnected from the Common Good
Narrow internal moral systems that ignore shared ethics.
Example:
Gang cultures with alternate moral codes that prioritize loyalty over justice.
Antidote:
Philosophical Ethics & Character Education. Encourage ethical reasoning through moral dilemmas. Michael Sandel’s work is a great resource.
4. Sense of Entitlement
Belief in deserved attention, affection, or power without reciprocity.
Example:
Incel-related violence stemming from perceived romantic rejection.
Antidote:
Consent Education & Emotional Regulation. Teach how to manage jealousy, disappointment, and unmet needs with healthy boundaries.
5. Denigration of Vulnerability and Suffering
Viewing emotions or empathy as weakness.
Example:
In bullying cultures, aggression is glorified and sensitivity mocked.
Antidote:
Trauma-Informed Education + Emotional Literacy. Normalising emotional expression helps redefine vulnerability as strength.
6. Dehumanisation
Perceiving others as less than human, justifying harm.
Example:
The Rwandan genocide—Tutsis were referred to as ‘cockroaches.’
Antidote:
Intergroup Contact + Empathy Through Storytelling. Use programs like Facing History and Ourselves to combat prejudice and promote humanisation.
7. Self-Deception and Belief in Disinformation
Clinging to false narratives, especially those that justify aggression.
Example:
January 6th Capitol riots, driven by belief in election fraud.
Antidote:
Media Literacy + Metacognition. Teach teens to analyze sources, recognize bias, and reflect on their own thinking.
8. Projective Identification
Projecting shame and insecurity onto others, then attacking them.
Example:
Lord of the Flies — Piggy becomes a scapegoat.
Antidote:
Self-Compassion & Identity Integration. Tools like narrative therapy and expressive arts help teens reconcile their identity.
9. Intensity — All-or-Nothing Thinking in Relationships
Emotional fusion, control, fear of abandonment.
Example:
The murder of Lauren Astley by her ex-boyfriend, driven by rejection and identity crisis.
Antidote:
Relationship Education + Emotional Regulation. Teach red flag awareness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Conclusion: Prevention Through Insight
Violence is not inevitable. By identifying these nine risk factors as opportunities for early intervention—not just red flags—we can move from punishment to prevention. Judging is easy. Change comes through empathy, connection, and education.
It’s not just about controlling social media; we must also build stronger relational skills and community capacity for repair.
Reflection
Which of these patterns do you see in your students or community?
Which antidote can you begin to apply today?
More Information
✉️ inyahead@aussiebb.com.au
🌐 www.mylearningstrengths.com – Over 200,000 young people have used this tool.
Recommended Books
For Parents:
- Neuroadvantage: The Strengths-Based Approach to Neurodivergence (June 2025)
- Tricky Behaviours
- The A to Z of Feelings
- Unlocking Your Child’s Genius (Amba Press)
For Teachers:
- Guerilla Tactics for Teachers
- Tricky Conversations
- Tricky Behaviours
- Tricky Teens
- Unlocking Your Child’s Genius
- Neurodevelopmental Differentiation: Optimising Brain Systems to Maximise Learning (Amba Press)