Anonymous
Posted May 12, 2003
Mr Wolman sounds more like a Jerry Fallwell. He raves on like an extreme right wing psychologist who has spent his entire life doing the '45 minute' objective interview. He does not once indicate one person that he has helped and leaves the reader feeling like we are all caught up in a barbed wire ball and the only alternative is Hitler revisited. The author does not offer any hope for the psychopath, sociopath or society. I do not remember seeing one comment on cognitive therapy.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 25, 2003
Wolman explores the foundations of antisocial behavior: pathological narcissism, self-indulgent culture, and promiscuous parenting. In an age of political correctness and moral relativism, the author does not hesitate to point to ethical upbringing as the solution. He traces the psychodynamics of deviant behavior back to childhood abuse and trauma - though he regrettably emphasizes nurture almost to the exclusion of nature. The book could use editing - but it is a worthwhile contribution to the topic. Sam Vaknin, author of 'Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited'.
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More About This Textbook
Overview
Antisocial behavior takes on many forms, from rebellious teens with green hair and pierced skin to the truly dangerous homicidal individuals whose horrible stories fill our newspapers. Parents worry about their children as they are exposed to the heated climate of violence in contemporary society, a time of decaying morals and values.
The rise in sociopathic behavior among adults and children, whether in tense inner cities or in tranquil suburban and rural settings, is masterfully chronicled by Dr. Benjamin B. Wolman, a leading psychologist and noted national expert who has studied these trends for over half a century. "There is a growing incidence of sociopathic antisocial behavior . . . coupled with an attitude of moral apathy," Dr. Wolman asserts. He cites international statistics pointing to a showdown between dangerous individuals-the violent, the charming, and the passive-and the societies that create them.
How has the spread of democratic ideals actually increased the potential for antisocial behavior? What social and cultural factors must be changed if free societies are to reduce this alarming trend?
Rather than simply complain about the problem, Dr. Wolman examines the familial and societal causes, and proposes clear-cut solutions to the problem-including radical changes to our educational system and the mass media.
Editorial Reviews
Booknews
A leading psychologist who edits the not only analyzes the familial and societal roots of escalating sociopathic behavior in the US, but also proposes changes in education starting at home and the mass media to counter aggressive behavior. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)Product Details
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Meet the Author
Benjamin B. Wolman, Ph.D., the author or editor of 42 books in psychology and the editor of the International Journal of Group Tensions, has been in the private practice of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy for over 60 years.
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