When is violence planned?

J Interpers Violence. 2012 Mar;27(4):753-74. doi: 10.1177/0886260511423238. Epub 2011 Oct 16.

Abstract

We examine what types of violent offenses tend to be planned using self-report data from a nationally representative sample of state and federal inmates. We find mixed support for the idea that predatory offenses are more likely to be planned than dispute-related offenses. As expected, robbery offenders are much more likely to report that they planned their crime ahead of time than homicide and physical assault offenders. However, sexual assault offenders are no more likely to report planning than homicide offenders. We also find mixed support for the idea that domestic violence-the supposed crime of passion-is less likely to be planned than violent offenses involving strangers. Finally, we find substantial demographic variation depending on type of crime. Robberies involving offenders of lower socioeconomic status and homicides and assaults involving African American offenders and victims are less likely to involve planning.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression
  • Anger
  • Behavior*
  • Criminal Psychology*
  • Criminals / psychology*
  • Federal Government
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prisoners
  • Prisons
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • State Government
  • United States
  • Violence / psychology*
  • Young Adult