MANAGEMENT OF VIOLENCE

Presented by Michael J. Fellner

REASONS FOR INCREASED VIOLENCE IN SOCIETY

• Substance Abuse• Breakdown of families• Mad vs. Bad Controversy• Mass media• Mainstreaming• Less internalization of conflict• Increased stress levels

PROBLEM RESOLUTION

SEVEN THEORIES OF AGGRESSION

1. Inherent part of human nature2. Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis3. Social Learning Model4. Territorial Integrity5. Means of Communication6. Developmental Fixation7. Means of controlling others

THE MATURING BRAIN

Anger, Depression, Anxiety, Agitation

Self Others EnvironTrustControlFear

DEFENSES

Prep Emotion

COMMON DEFENSE MECHANISMS

• Displacement• Projection• Reaction Formation• Rationalization• Splitting• Denial• Acting Out

FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE

• Pituitary stimulates adrenal glands• Adrenaline stimulates vagus nerve• Nerve stimulates heart muscle• Heart muscle pumps harder• Blood vessels to inner organs constrict• Blood vessels to muscles dilate• Muscles receive richly oxygenated blood• Brain and inner organs receive less• Increased guardedness and defense

FLIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE cont.

• Brain starts to shut down• Judgment is poor• Quality of thought is diminished• May feel queasy or light-headed• Muscles tire out• Feeling of being drained & exhausted• Depression and depletion• Gradual return to normal energy level

ASSAULT CYCLE

MINUTES

ENERGY LEVEL

ACTING OUT

TRIGGER

ESCALATIONDE-ESCALATION

POST CRISIS RECOVERY

ASSAULT CYCLE

MINUTES

ENERGY LEVEL

ACTING OUT

TRIGGER

ESCALATIONDE-ESCALATION

POST CRISIS RECOVERY

JUDGMENT

ZONES OF TERRITORIALITY

SOCIAL

PERSONAL

INTIMATE

• 7’ to 12’• 4’ to 7’

• 2’ to 4’• 18” to 24”

• 8” to 18”• Touch to 8”

HOW TO MANAGE G.A.S.

• Deep breathe• Monitor vitals• Avoid defensiveness• Avoid overreaction• Get control of yourself before you try to

control the situation

WHAT NOT TO DO

• Don’t make demands• Don’t make threats• Don’t intimidate• Don’t invade space• Don’t assign blame• Don’t lecture• Don’t personalize comments

WHAT TO DO

• Negotiate• Stay “rationally detached”• Keep your distance• Set limits• Provide choices• Empathize• Maintain equal height• Listen, then listen more

POSSIBLESOLUTIONS

• Focus on easing chaos• Avoid dependence on logic• Help student to “save face”• Avoid ultimatums• Assure safety• Stay in control of yourself• Use positive self talk

STAGES OF INTERVENTION

• Stage 1: Education• Stage 2: Avoidance of Conflict• Stage 3: Appeasement• Stage 4: Deflection• Stage 5: Time-Out• Stage 6: Show of Force• Stage 7: Seclusion• Stage 8: Restraints• Stage 9: Sedation

Not available

FOLLOW-UP

• Check in with student later• Communicate with staff • Document the incident• Debrief with student and staff• Use it as learning experience

MOST CRITICAL FUNCTION IS SAFETY

• Assure the safety of the student• Assure the safety of other students• Assure the safety of yourself

THREE AREAS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Maintain a balance:• Care about yourself and students• Consider welfare of you and the student.• Consider safety and security first and always:

for yourself and the student

STAGES OF BURNOUT

• Enthusiasm• Stagnation• Frustration• Apathy

BURNOUT PREVENTION

• Expect good behavior whether you get it or not.

• Believe in the goodness of people whether you have evidence of it or not.

• See people as loveable whether they deserve it or not.

• Maintain relationships for the long haul even if they are not working in the moment.

The lighter side of work-related stress

The lighter side of work-related stress

“ Love is a present that can be given every single day you

live”