Assessment of risk for violent behavior is of interest to clinicians and laymen alike. This article includes a discussion of issues related to assessment of risk of violent behavior. A review of the literature is provided. Using this information, the author suggests several factors that might increase the probability of violent behavior in historically nonviolent individuals, including antisocial behavior, social isolation, poverty, absence of support systems, severe situational stress, and substance abuse. A checklist for assessing risk of violent behavior is suggested.
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