This is done by evaluating the individual and the individual's environment to determine whether and to what degree factors that have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of violence are present. Multiple factors play a role in the causation of violence. One useful way of conceptualizing the causes of violence is to examine the predisposing, disinhibiting and inhibiting factors associated with an increased risk of violence. Predisposing factors are proclivities or inclinations toward violence. They are considered internal variables or factors, i.e., they are enduring characteristics of the individual that make that person have a tendency to behave in a certain manner.
Disinhibiting factors act as triggering mechanisms for setting off violence.
For example, even individuals who are at high risk for becoming violent do not do so constantly. In addition, given sufficient provocation, anyone is capable of violence. A common disinhibiting factor is intoxication. Inhibiting factors act to prevent the individual from becoming violent. As evident from the above discussion, some factors serve as both predisposing and disinhibiting factors.