Mental Illness Alone Does Not Predict Violence

Jerry Kennard is a psychologist Interested Dr. Jerry Kennard is a psychologist, freelance writer & consultant.... Send Message Subscribe: Jerry Kennard

Tuesday, February 03, 2009
View All of Jerry Kennard's Posts

Mental illness has always provided a convenient if frequently erroneous explanation for acts of aggression and violence. Although evidence is somewhat mixed, the vast body of data points to the mentally ill as being more likely to be the victims of violence rather than the perpetrators. Rece...

Hide Comments | Add comment

Thanks for Setting the Record Straight
Valash
Wednesday, February 04, 2009 at 09:54 AM

Hello, I am glad you are setting the record straight...I didn't know the percentage of people thinking that those with a mental illness are violent, was so high.

re: Thanks for Setting the Record Straight
Jerry Kennard
Wednesday, February 04, 2009 at 12:23 PM

Hi Valash,

I'm pretty sure it varies according to what survey you look at and where it is conducted. The author of this particular study has used survey results which, to my mind, do seem a little high. However, it certainly does appear to be a common enough fear amongst people.