Editorial

Citation

Ireland, J.L. (2012), "Editorial", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 4 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/jacpr.2012.55004daa.001

Editorial

Article Type: Editorial From: Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Volume 4, Issue 4

Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research. This edition ambitiously attempts to cover a wide spectrum of aggression research from direct aggression (i.e. sexual) to more subtle means of conveying aggression such as cyber aggression and via the media. The impact of aggression is also considered by examining extreme exposures to aggression, including exposure to terrorism and combat. The current edition is presented in this sequence, starting with direct aggression through to the impact on those exposed to extreme aggression. It focuses on the use of reviews and qualitative methodology.

Anthony R. Beech and Leam A. Craig present first an invited review paper examining the complex area of sexual violence risk assessment, an area that is quickly evolving and developing. Beech and Craig examine the range of factors important to account for in such assessments, outlining the classic separation between dynamic (changing) and static risk factors which are so familiar to those in the forensic field. What is useful about the paper is its attempt to combine these two elements from a theoretical level. Its value lies therefore in assisting practitioners to conceptualise risk, an issue that is becoming more discussed in the wider literature which argues for more integration of risk formulation into risk assessment so that treatment and management pathways can be more clearly defined.

This is then followed by another review paper by Sarah Coyne, Laura Stockdale, and David Nelson who outline how aggression is portrayed in the media and how this represents one factor which can influence both behaviours and attitudes. Although this topic has received attention in the literature, the curent review has added value via its attention not only to physical aggression but also relational aggression. The latter is a neglected field of study and although the theoretical contribution of the paper extends to physical aggression, readers are encouraged to take note of this relational aggression contribution. The review is also of value in directing future research and encouraging researchers to look beyond “traditional” conceptualisations of aggression to less considered examples, namely music and books, etc. It should also prove of value to policy makers, clinicians, and parents trying to understand the range of messages that abound in this particular field of study.

Keeping with a theme of more subtle communications of aggression is the paper on cyber-bullying by Dorothy Grigg. This is a small scale preliminary study which outlines, using qualitative methodology, its definitional distinction from more standard bullying. It argues for cyber-bullying to be conceptualised as a stand alone concept and the need for quantitive research to examine this topic. The paper holds value for academics with regards to the direction of future research and also for practitioners by encouraging more attendance to the victims of such behaviour. The potential distinction required by policy makers regarding “traditional” versus cyber-means of bullying is also made. This paper therefore shares similarities with the media review and the importance of extending research beyond academics and practitioners to those designing and promoting policy.

The edition then moves onto the impacts of extreme forms of aggression. These topics have increasingly made their way into the academic field over recent years, undoubtedly as a result of current country wide conflicts. Ian Gargan, Fíona Kelly Meldon, Cian Aherne, Noelle Fitzgerald, and Jane McNicholas introduce this topic by outlining a novel paper examining reflections from the Summit Against Violent Extremism (SAVE) which brought together those formerly involved in terrorist activity (“formers”) and the victims of such violence. Using focus group methodology, this reflective piece examines the themes that were generated from the meetings of these two groups. Of noted value was the focus on the challenges such summits face, including providing safe forums for the communication of anger towards those involved in terrorism and the complexities of de-radicalisation, where this applies. It also highlights the challenges in ensuring that survivors feel as heard alongside “formers”, noting how survivor’s views and opinions can sometimes be lost unless there is specific attention focused on this.

This paper leads the edition well into its concluding piece by Anna Verey and Peter K. Smith who examine the transition from being involved in combat to returning to civilian life. Again using qualitative methodology, the authors examine the range of symptoms reported by post-combat individuals, with attention in particular to post-combat stress disorder. Themes such as the importance of being part of a group, shared experiences, help-seeking, professionalism, relationships, and civilian society are all commented on. The latter theme I felt was a notable one since it reflects on the difficulties in adjusting to a non-combat/risk-taking lifestyle and is perhaps one that is not considered sufficiently to be part of adjustment challenges. Looking at prosocial means of replacing the psychological “losses” associated with leaving armed forces society is also acknowledged. The importance of dealing with adjustment difficulties as part of a wider issue, namely as a family issue as opposed to focusing solely on the returning officer in isolation, is commented on in particular. This would seem consistent with wider reflections on the impact of exposure to aggression, not just on those directly effected but also on wider family members with regards to how they can be utilised as part of the healing process.

Overall the papers present a range of themes relevant to understanding and dealing with aggression and its impacts. There is a theme of examining productive means of managing aggression with a view towards enhancing understanding and positive resolution. It is hoped that these papers stimulate consideration of the wider issues associated with understanding and managing aggression and help direct future research for the benefit of an enhanced knowledge base into these important areas of study.

Jane L. Ireland, Nicola Graham-Kevan, Michelle Davies, Douglas P. Fry