A Probing Study and Intensive Treatment of a Potential Murderess
| Date | 01 October 1984 |
| Published date | 01 October 1984 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X8405700408 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
DR.
L. F. LOWENSTEIN. M.A.,
Dip
Psych. Ph.D.*
APROBING
STUDY
AND
INTENSIVE TREATMENT OF A
POTENTIAL
MURDERESS
Introduction
All crimes, while they seem inevitable in retrospect, are also equally
preventable in retrospect. It may seem stark idealism to many to-day
to make such a statement in the light of increasing acts of homicide
and violent behaviour of person against person. Yet as this case
evolves, and some of the background literature is summarized, it is
hoped that the basis for such idealism is not altogether without
foundation.
Most of the research, or at least that within recent years, is
concerned with the frequency of homicide and the causes or
associated features of homicidewith other events. Very little research
has been conducted on how it can be prevented in the case of
potential murderers or those who have already committed acts of
murder and who are given freedom within society once again.
Aseparate paper has been written which reviews the very recent
literature concerning homicide.
Societies, be they in the East or West, in developed or developing
countries are faced with a multitude of problems.
The
increases in
opulence generally, in the form of material acquisition, educational
or otheropportunitieshas done lessthan was imagined it could do, to
change human nature. Above all,
human
values, instead of
improving in keeping with increased material wealth, have actually
diminished as a result of lower values being accepted.
Violence against persons and crime in general are on the increase.
What is perhaps the most worrying of all, is the increase in attempted
and actual homicide being committed everywhere.
An analysis of the recent research into the causes and prevention
and treatment of homicidal behaviour, provides aplethora of
information on aetiology and very little about prevention and
treatment. What follows is an account of an intensive study and
simultaneous treatment of one case of potential murderess named
Mary.
Before embarking on the actual case history of Mary, let us first
look at the causes, associated features, incidence, prevention and
treatment research into homicide undertaken in recent years.
*Former Chief Educational Psychologist for Hampshire. Chief Examiner,
(Educational Psychology) College of Preceptors. Visiting Professor,
University of Khartoum, Sudan. Presently, Director, Lowenstein
Therapeutic Community.
360 October /984
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