Anger, Rage and Pathological Embitterment: What Motivates Mass Murders?

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evil-deeds/201110/anger-rage-and-pathological-embitterment-what-motivates-mass-murders

Anger, Rage and Pathological Embitterment: What Motivates Mass Murders?
What motivated the two recent California massacres?
Published on October 14, 2011 by Stephen A. Diamond, Ph.D.

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The perpetrator has been somehow hurt, psychologically wounded, figuratively castrated, insulted, disrespected, rejected, traumatized, humiliated or defeated in some way, and seeks, at least unconsciously, revenge and retaliation. This primitive "talionic response" is fueled by festering rage, anger, resentment and bitterness, which, when denied, dissociated, repressed or chronically masked, becomes pathological and potentially destructive.

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We frail humans are prone to feeling hurt. And when we feel hurt, we are prone to feeling angry. If we deny this anger, dismiss it, deem it merely destructive, uncivilized and therefore, evil, fail to embrace and provide it some positive outlet, it will eventually become exactly that. But if we acknowledge it, recognize it, find ways to constructively express it, anger, rather than becoming toxic or pathological rage, resentment or embitterment, can be empowering and positive.