Violence within the family and in the workplace, spirals of retaliation among gangs, xenophobic assaults, mass slaughters: hate can ensue in many different types of phenomena, that concern both interpersonal bonds and relations among social groups. What are the distinctive features of the complex psychological experiences associated with hate? This book outlines the processes that generate and feed hate; what it has in common with love, anger, and fear; the many languages in which it may manifest itself. Hate stems from frustrated expectations and the feeling of being threatened, as well as cultures that may encourage and empower it. But hate can also be controlled and fought efficaciously, in ways the author thoroughly discusses.

Marcella Ravenna teaches Social and Group Psychology at the University of Ferrara.