This book provides a review and discussion of existing scientific and technical literature on the prediction of individual violent behaviour. The literature is first used to explain the technical problems and issues associated with such predictions, and then this material is drawn on to illustrate various steps that can be taken to improve reliability.

'...essential reading for those confronted with the ethical and professional dilemmas involved in predicting violent behavior. Lawyers are destined to become familiar with Monahan's book, and mental health professionals will surely want to keep a step ahead.' -- Contemporary Psychology, Vol 27 No 2 '...In summary, Monahan's book is a very readable and succinct one. Often the reader finds himself saying "...well of course, what could be more obvious?" only to reflect for a minute and realize that many clinicians do not give many obvious relevant factors adequate weight in their assessments of dangerousness. Monahan's text is a very positive one which as he puts it, outlines for the clinician: "How to do it (predict vi

This book provides a review and discussion of existing scientific and technical literature on the prediction of individual violent behaviour. The literature is first used to explain the technical problems and issues associated with such predictions, and then this material is drawn on to illustrate various steps that can be taken to improve reliability.

As therapists are increasingly held legally responsible for failing to predict their client's violent behaviour, the pressure to know and forecast behaviour - never the chosen domain of clinicians - has risen. Worries about potential law suits invade the therapeutic setting. The volume enables therapists to master the proven signs of potentially harmful acts, so that they can get back to the work they were trained for: helping people.

This volume examines social influences on violent events and violent behavior, particularly concentrating on how the risks of violent criminal offending and victimization are influenced by communities, social situations, and individuals; the role of spouses and intimates; the differences in violence levels between males and females; and the roles of psychoactive substances in violent events.