Abstract
Summary
Lynching is seen as a transient collective psychosis which develops in a pathogenic environment. It is the culmination of a process which can be interrupted by preventive action on several levels. Predisposing factors can be recognized on three levels: those pertaining to the life situation; those pertaining to group dynamics; and those pertaining to individual characteristics of group members.
Predisposing factors pertaining to the life situation include: forced inactivity; confinement to close quarters; emotional dependence on the group; perceived hostility on the part of the authorities; sudden and unexplained changes in the behaviour of powerful controlling persons; and lack of reliable information regarding the future in the outside world.
Predisposing group dynamic factors include: the emotional contagion of ill-defined fear; aimless anger; helplessness; strong group indentification and heightened suggestibility.
Predisposing factors pertaining to group members include: individual character traits, mental symptoms, youth, previous traumatic experiences and morally deviant or inconsistent leadership.