James Gilligan

James Gilligan is a prominent American psychiatrist and author known for his extensive research on the psychological roots of violence and shame. Over decades of working with violent offenders, he has posited that feelings of shame and humiliation are primary motivators behind violent behavior. His work emphasizes the importance of social belonging and the devastating effects of social rejection, arguing that a lack of love and acceptance can lead individuals to commit acts of violence as a means of reclaiming their self-worth.