The bully, too, gets reinforced in physiological aggression, especially against kids who are isolated. Yet the more they get picked on, the more isolated they get, triggering yet another cycle of bullying. It's important to understand that violence has no single cause and should not be treated as if it does. It can arise from any of a number of parts of the physiological structure. Everything we encounter or experience has the potential to affect us, and there is no single factor to target for blame.
Violence is the result of a complex feedback loop, but it's one that can be broken.
Essentially, says Niehoff, the past informs the present but does not have to predict the future. Biology is not destiny. The brain is flexible and can relearn patterns by integrating new experiences. We have the tools to reduce violence by creating a safe and caring environment. They decided on a night and had a sleepover.