Are there things in our lives that influence our beliefs, our attitudes, or our actions? Why do siblings who are raised in the same household take completely different paths in life? These questions puzzle parents as well as pathological psychologists. One son may be a brilliant example of what is right and good in society while his brother or sister may be known for his destructive, anti-social behavior that results in disciplinary action in school, on the job, and even in the judicial system.

Our news item for discussion explores the bazaar behavior of Aaron Alexis who was responsible for the shootings in the Washington Navy Yard in Southeast Washington, “DC. What brought him to engage in such destructive behavior? As we look at this news item, we may note a number of things that may be influential in the behavior of those close to us as well.