RESEARCH ARTICLE


Neurobiological and Psychological Mechanisms Explaining How Hatred is Programmed into the Minds of Children



G. H. Katzman*
Midwest Health Center Pediatrics, Dearborn, Michigan 48126, USA.


© 2009 G. H. Katzman

open-access license: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0), a copy of which is available at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

* Address correspondence to this author at the Midwest Health Center Pediatrics, Dearborn, Michigan 48126, USA; E-mail: geraldktzm@aol.com


Abstract

An understanding of the mechanisms involving the programming of hatred into the minds of children has evolved. Indoctrination of children with storylines that are often fabrications is common. The animosities engendered by these stories are fueled by anger frequently associated with mental or physical maltreatment of children in authoritarian societies. Studies indicate that the dominant premotor areas of the brain are important for moral decision making and cognitive control. Eliminating destructive indoctrination, prevention of child abuse and inculcating children with values that promote peaceful human relations have the potential for eliminating the development of hatred and the associated acting out of violent behaviors.

Keywords: Neurobiology & psychology of hate , social cognition, moral judgment.