Psychological perspective for a theory of behavior during riots.

In a riot situation some individuals actively participate in antisocial behavior, but others do not, and still others act to discourage hostile activity. Four concepts from general psychology including (1) insufficiency of internal control or lack of internalized restraints acquired through learning, (2) effects of frustration, (3) emotional excitement, and (4) precipitating incidents (one or more) are proposed as contributors to the behavioral involvement of participants. Some hypotheses and the role of such variables as emotional contagion, imitation, opportunism, and anonymity are discussed.