Teenagers who kill aren’t really getting more common, but two recent high-profile homicides—plus the case of an 18-year old charged with killing his Melbourne father and stepmother—bring the issue into sharp focus.
“I do think these cases are very shocking, so I think they’re going to get a lot of press,” said psychologist (Dr.) Vicki Panaccione, who sees a disturbing trend among teenagers that could lead to increased violence.
“I see teenagers developing less impulse control and less self-control,” she said. “The other thing that is lacking is teaching kids anger management.”
Psychological research shows that some factors are routinely associated with the killing of parents: physical abuse, substance abuse, the presence of guns, the presence of stepparents and mental illness.
As published in Florida Today, Nov 30, 2005.
© MMVI Vicki Panaccione, Ph.D.
