Anger, Aggression, and Psychology: Personal and Professional Reflections on the Virginia Tech Tragedy

Anger and aggression make up one of the most substantial bodies of literature within the behavioral sciences. The importance of fully understanding the nature of these phenomena are made painfully clear in the wake of violent tragedies such as the one that occurred on the campus of Virginia Tech. Inevitably, the question is how may we, as social scientists, do a better job at predicting and preventing such events? Although a definitive answer to this question may not be immediately obtainable, the current review and discussion attempts to illuminate how the integration of the diverse concentration areas of psychology may provide a starting point. Neuropsychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology (in all manifestations) can be utilized in a cohesive manner that will improve the prediction and prevention of aggression. The events of April 16th are examined from personal and professional viewpoints to provide relevant and salient examples.