Exploring the Determinants of Crimes of Passion: A Review on the Newspaper Reports

Abstract

There is a fundamental need for positive and lasting relationships. Since our birth, our views about others, our perceptions, beliefs and values largely depend on the attachments we develop with our immediate caregivers. In this review paper, the intentions and the motives or what led the perpetrator to attack a person, lover or spouse that they once loved so dearly will be explored. Along with which psycho-socio determinants of social acceptance and rejection will be discussed, emphasizing on the emotional, cognitive, behavioral and biological responses of individuals committing crimes of passion. The psychological consequences following social rejection offering a theoretical account to explain when and why social rejection produces desirable and undesirable outcomes will be reviewed followed by understanding what coping methods people adopt to cope with the pain of social rejection. The paper concludes by identifying heightened and diminished responses to social rejection, providing insights into the need for instilling an awareness of social acceptance and social rejection, coping mechanisms and our responses to rejection in relationships at a very early age to prevent from committing crimes in the name of love.