An interesting psychology article for Kite Runner Readers

This is a totally optional read, spurred by a question in 1st period: What does psychology say about the causes of aggressive, destructive behavior?

As this one general study/overview of the literature suggests, experts are far from agreement:

The accepted theory that low self-concept leads to individuals acting out to appear stronger seems contradicted by the opposite theory, namely, that high-ego individuals are more likely to act as aggressors to others who challenge their status. I invite your reading to see whether both seem believable acts in the novel, as our weak protagonist, and his bullying nemesis, may be working from opposite causes to similar results.

PS: lots of awesome psychology vocabulary to wiki if you like the challenge of reading something challenging!

P