Abstract
Psychology has recently begun to examine human interpersonal social predictors of violence. One area yet unexamined is the perception of aggressive interpersonal social cues held by persons who have personally experienced violence. Using a sample of 129 police officers who were assault survivors, this study sought to identify the interpersonal social behaviors they perceived to be associated with the communication of imminent violence. Assuming a boxer’s stance, invading personal space, placing hands in pockets, clenched hands, and threatening remarks were most associated with perceived impending violence. Crying, rapid eye blinking, placing hands on hips, and avoiding eye contact, were perceived to be least associated with violence. Recent versus distant experiences with violence produced little difference in the findings.
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Johnson, R.R. Perceptions of Interpersonal Social Cues Predictive of Violence Among Police Officers Who Have Been Assaulted. J Police Crim Psych 30, 87–93 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-014-9145-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-014-9145-2