James Kimmel, Jr.
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"James Kimmel Jr." is an American legal scholar, psychiatric researcher, novelist, and
Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine.
[1]
[2]
He is the founder and co-director of the Yale Collaborative for Motive Control Studies.
[1]
James Kimmel, Jr. is known for developing the "behavioral addiction model of revenge," a framework that characterizes retaliatory violence as a neurological addiction activated by grievances and involving the brain's dopaminergic pathways.
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[4]
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In his 2025 book, "The Science of Revenge", James Kimmel, Jr. summarizes neuroscience research supporting this model and applies it to analyze historical and modern violent behavior. [6] He proposes the use of addiction prevention and treatment strategies—such as public health campaigns and 12-step programs—to mitigate violence. [6] James Kimmel, Jr. also posits that forgiveness is a neurological process with pain-relieving benefits that can deactivate the brain’s revenge circuitry. [7] [8]
James Kimmel Jr.’s work has been discussed in the media as a method for understanding social conflict. Writing for "The New York Times", columnist Thomas Edsall argued that Kimmel’s model provides a framework for analyzing political retribution cycles. [4] His book was also named a "Book of the Day" by NPR.[9] Prior to his academic work, James Kimmel, Jr. practiced law as a civil litigator and wrote the novel "The Trial of Fallen Angels" and the self-help book "Suing for Peace". [10] [11] He also co-founded a peer-support mental health agency in Pennsylvania. [1] He maintains a research focus on "The Nonjustice System", a clinical and self-help psychodrama protocol designed to reduce revenge-seeking behavior through psychological validation. [12]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "James Kimmel, Jr., JD". Yale School of Medicine. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
- ↑ "Yale Lecturer in Psychiatry to Publish "The Science of Revenge"". Yale Daily News. 2025-03-26.
- ↑ Kimmel, James Jr. (2021-01-28). "A Behavioral Addiction Model of Revenge, Violence, and Gun Abuse". Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics. Cambridge University Press. 49 (1): 32–43.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Edsall, Thomas (2025-01-14). "Revenge Is a Dish Best Served From the White House". The New York Times (Opinion).
- ↑ "How To Fight The Brain's Desire For Revenge". Science Friday. 2025-06-20.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Kimmel, James Jr. (2025). The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World's Deadliest Addiction—and How to Overcome It. New York: Penguin Random House. ISBN 978-0593796511. Search this book on
- ↑ Martin, Michel (2025-06-03). "Yale School of Medicine's James Kimmel, Jr. discusses 'The Science of Revenge'". NPR.
- ↑ "This is Your Brain on Revenge". The Wall Street Journal. 2025-06-05.
- ↑ "NPR Book of the Day: The Science of Revenge". NPR. 2025-05-27.
- ↑ Kimmel, James Jr. (2012). The Trial of Fallen Angels. New York: Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam. ISBN 978-0399159695. Search this book on
- ↑ Kimmel, James P. (2005). Suing for Peace: A Guide for Resolving Life's Conflicts. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing. ISBN 978-1571744524. Search this book on
- ↑ "Can Revenge Be Addictive?". The Harvard Gazette. 2025-11-15.
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