Dr. Huesmann views violence as a contagious disease. If people are exposed to violence, their risk of catching it increases. Yet, a person does not need to be close to the violence to catch it. They only need to see it. The exposure can be right in front of the person or through electronic media. In his talk Dr. Huesmann describes 
studies that have demonstrated this contagion, and he explains the psychological 
processes that make violence contagious.


Dr. Huesmann is the Amos N. Tversky Collegiate Professor of Communication Studies and Psychology and Research Professor in the Research Center for Group Dynamics, 
Institute for Social Research, U of M. His research has helped shape society’s understanding of the psychological foundations of aggression. His work is a part of the fierce controversy over the degree to which violent media beget violent behavior and what, if anything, should be done about it.

This is the first in a six-lecture series. The subject is "Violence: Its Roots and Reasons." The next lecture will be January 14 entitled "Inner City Violence in the Age of Mass Incarceration."

http://www.olli-umich.org/programs_activities/lectures/3rd_Lecture_Series.pdf