A key component shared between the The Integrative Power Management Model (IPM2), the Integrative Conflict Management Model (ICM2), and the Violence Integrative Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model is the 5-bodies concept – five manifestations or “bodies” to describe individual and collective human existence. This concept punctuates being into aspects of human existence which have unique characteristics. This facilitates understanding of the dynamics of violence and provides insight into effective ways to apply prevention, intervention, and restoration.
1. Physical body — The physical manifestation of a person. Risk factors include pre- and perinatal issues such as fetal alcohol syndrome, pregnancy complications, birth trauma, etc. It also can include genetic factors (such as a predisposition to Huntington’s Chorea) and birth defects (particularly brain related). Chemical dependency can be a factor in frequency and severity of violence.
2. Emotional body — The feeling nature of a person. Risk factors include child abuse and neglect, attachment disorders, abandonment, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. Feelings of powerlessness and loss of control can be drivers.
3. Mental body — The creative and thinking nature of a person. Risk factors include violent socializing messages from parents, peers, community, media, etc. Impaired reasoning processes (thought disorders) and prevailing social conventions can be factors.
4. Environmental body — The physical, emotional, and mental environment in which a person exists. Environmental risk factors can be found in economic, social, cultural, communication (media), and ethical environments. Living environments (farm vs ghetto, for example) can be factors.
5. Spiritual body — The profound, transcendent knowledge, aspirations, and beliefs of a person. Some people incorporate religious practice into the regimen for their spiritual body. Risk factors include meaninglessness, fundamentalism, limited transcendent heroics, and nihilism.
The health of any body directly impacts the health of the other bodies. When assessing the risk factors for violence or a violent episode, the bodies are “mapped” to determine the best approach for treatment.
