Does Summer Heat Make Us Violent?

There seems to be a direct correlation between soaring temperatures and a rise in violent crime rates.

In the United States crime rates are higher in the South. If you try to figure out why, then consider these few things. Do the Southern States have a more violent culture? I really tend to doubt that theory.

There is one school of thought that does not buy any of the so called “heat / violence” theories. Rather, it points towards a much more simple idea – the South is warmer than the rest of the country! (Brilliant observation eh – what’s their theory then?) Maybe it could be, the hot weather, leading people to anger easily and become violent more quickly. Supporters of the heat / crime theory think so. The heat hypothesis is stated simply: “the more uncomfortably hot the temperature, the more likely people become aggressive.” (that’s what I was saying)

In the South, there were some pretty outstanding results from studies done on the temperature vs. crime / crime rates. Studies between the Northern and Southern States showed a positive correlation (means they are relative to each other) between heat and violent crimes. There might be many factors contributing to this effect, like the differences between cities and cultures of the two areas. (I really doubt that)

So, more studies were done over time, and not by geographic location. These studies show a positive correlation between violent crimes and unpleasant temperatures. (Basically they’re saying “yes – unusually high temperatures tend to make one more aggressive and violent”.)

In one particularly amusing field study, a researcher purposely stopped his car at green lights on days of varying temperature and recorded the number of honks he heard. And again, the hotter the day, the more honks he got. It was noted that, this readiness to blow the horn was decreased when the car had A/C running.

Of course, the correlation of heat to crime is simply that – a theory or hypothesis. It could hardly be used in a court of law as a defense. Or, maybe it could – I haven’t heard it tried yet, despite research that indicates the direct impact of heat stress on the rise of criminal acts.

Professor Alex Gardner says:

Psychologist Professor Alex Gardner has been quoted as saying, “many people might be feeling the shortage of negative ions as they swelter in breezeless cities.”

“You get this dull heavy atmosphere. When you are at the seaside or up in the mountains there is a buoyant atmosphere.” and “People get a bit fidgety, as when there is the possibility of thunderstorms.”

But there’s a dispute over whether an “ion generator” can noticeably improve your mood. So if it’s possible, head for a waterfall, mountain range or the seaside. This should bring your “ions” into equilibrium. Even if skeptics are right and the theories about ions are bull#*^*, you’ll have a pleasant day and get a lot of fresh air – and hopefully an improved attitude.

In the USA Harvard University conducted a study. The results suggesting that a heat wave can trigger a short-term rise in crime, just as cold and very wet weather can reduce crime. So, try and keep yourself as cool as possible – “balance your ions” – and if you have an overwhelming urge to behave in an aggressive or violent manner. Please think twice and remember the guy blocking traffic in front of you with an overheated radiator, is probably a lot more stressed out about it than you are!