Citation

Allen D, Bethell K, Allen-Carroll M. J. Psychother. Integr. 2017; 27(1): 79-92.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Educational Publishing Foundation)

DOI

10.1037/int0000022

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Bahamas, like many countries in the region, has undergone a serious social fragmentation process due to the widespread cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and its continuing sequelae, as well as the significant international financial downturn. Manifested by burgeoning murder and violent crime rates, the social fragmentation is associated with widespread angry outbursts and destruction of the family and community. Using a community group process intervention called The Family: People Helping People Project, we have endeavored to counteract social fragmentation and enhance resocialization. In this intervention process, many persons who have experienced violent anger have shared a phenomenon that we describe as the Evil Violence Tunnel. It is associated with intense self-destructiveness (suicide) as well as causation of harm to others (homicide). This article discusses (a) the dynamics of the Evil Violence Tunnel, (b) precursors and triggers of the tunnel, (c) stages of the tunnel, (d) case vignettes, and (e) possible ways to prevent it.

Language: en

Keywords

Anger; Perceptual shift; Rage; Shame; Social fragmentation