📖 Overview
Dave Grossman is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and former West Point psychology professor who has become widely known for his research and writings on the psychology of killing in combat and the psychological effects of violence. His most influential work is "On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society" (1995), which examines how military training overcomes humans' natural resistance to killing.
Grossman developed the term "killology" to describe the study of the psychological and physiological effects of killing and combat. His theories about the relationship between violent video games and aggressive behavior have been cited in policy discussions and academic discourse, though they have also faced criticism from other researchers.
Through his company Killology Research Group, Grossman conducts training for military, law enforcement, and emergency response personnel. He has authored several other books including "On Combat" and "Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill," focusing on combat stress and the impacts of violent media on youth.
His work has influenced military training methods and sparked ongoing debates about violence in media and society. Grossman continues to lecture extensively on topics related to the psychological impact of violence, though some of his more controversial positions regarding video games and media effects remain disputed within academic circles.
👀 Reviews
Reader reviews reveal passionate responses to Grossman's work, particularly "On Killing":
What readers liked:
- Detailed research and firsthand military accounts
- Clear explanations of psychological factors in combat
- Historical analysis of combat effectiveness
- Personal stories that illustrate key concepts
What readers disliked:
- Selective use of data to support conclusions
- Repetitive writing style
- Limited scientific citations in key areas
- Strong opinions presented as facts
- Dated perspectives on video games and media violence
Ratings across platforms:
- Goodreads: 4.2/5 from 8,000+ ratings
- Amazon: 4.6/5 from 2,000+ reviews
Specific reader feedback:
"Invaluable insights into combat psychology" - Military veteran on Amazon
"Makes broad claims without adequate evidence" - Academic reviewer
"Too much personal bias in research interpretation" - Goodreads review
"Changed how I understand military history" - Amazon review
Many military and law enforcement readers praise the practical applications, while academic readers question the methodology and conclusions.
📚 Books by Dave Grossman
On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society (1995)
An examination of how military training enables soldiers to overcome natural psychological barriers to lethal combat, based on research with combat veterans and historical data.
On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and Peace (2004) A study of how humans react physiologically and psychologically during combat and high-stress situations, drawing from interviews with military and law enforcement personnel.
Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill: A Call to Action Against TV, Movie & Video Game Violence (1999) An analysis of media violence's potential effects on young people, examining connections between violent entertainment and aggressive behavior.
Assassination Generation: Video Games, Aggression, and the Psychology of Killing (2016) An examination of video game violence and its potential psychological impact on youth, incorporating research on combat psychology and neurological responses.
On Spiritual Combat: 30 Missions for Victorious Warfare (2021) A discussion of psychological and spiritual approaches to managing combat stress and military service challenges.
Two-Space War (2004) A military science fiction novel applying historical naval warfare concepts to space combat scenarios.
The War With Earth (2003) A science fiction novel exploring interplanetary conflict and military strategy.
On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and Peace (2004) A study of how humans react physiologically and psychologically during combat and high-stress situations, drawing from interviews with military and law enforcement personnel.
Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill: A Call to Action Against TV, Movie & Video Game Violence (1999) An analysis of media violence's potential effects on young people, examining connections between violent entertainment and aggressive behavior.
Assassination Generation: Video Games, Aggression, and the Psychology of Killing (2016) An examination of video game violence and its potential psychological impact on youth, incorporating research on combat psychology and neurological responses.
On Spiritual Combat: 30 Missions for Victorious Warfare (2021) A discussion of psychological and spiritual approaches to managing combat stress and military service challenges.
Two-Space War (2004) A military science fiction novel applying historical naval warfare concepts to space combat scenarios.
The War With Earth (2003) A science fiction novel exploring interplanetary conflict and military strategy.
👥 Similar authors
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Bruce Siddle pioneered research on survival stress responses and their effects on combat performance through his PPCT Management Systems. He established protocols for law enforcement training that examine how stress affects motor skills and decision-making under threat.
Gavin de Becker analyzes violence prediction and personal security based on his experience protecting public figures and consulting for government agencies. His work examines how to recognize pre-incident indicators and understand predatory behavior through pattern recognition.
Tony Blauer developed systems for managing fear and performance in high-stress confrontations through his research on combative behavior. His work focuses on understanding the startle-flinch response and converting natural reactions into tactical responses.
John Correia studies real-world violent encounters through analysis of surveillance and body camera footage to understand how attacks unfold. He breaks down the tactical and psychological elements of actual self-defense incidents to identify patterns and survival strategies.