On November 21, 2025, Mirsadiq Mukhtarov, a staff member of the Psychology Department at Khazar University and a psychologist at the Khazar Psychological Service Center, gave an interview to the “Demokrat.az” news site. The psychologist discussed the increase in random acts of violence among adolescents, the psychological reasons behind risky behaviors, and the dangers these incidents pose to society.
He stated that recent incidents of stabbings carried out under the pretext of “jokes” demonstrate how serious the problem is. According to the psychologist, adolescence is a stage marked by emotional changes, identity exploration, and a heightened need for self-assertion, which makes individuals in this age group more prone to risky behavior patterns. Mirsadiq Mukhtarov noted that the incomplete development of brain areas related to decision-making and impulse control leads to thoughtless actions. For this reason, knives and other dangerous objects sometimes appear to adolescents as symbols of “power” or “courage.”
The psychologist also emphasized that the glamorization of violence on social networks increases adolescents’ tendency toward aggressive behavior. He explained that the romanticization of concepts such as “street culture,” “criminal heroism,” and “appearing strong” influences youth behavior patterns. A lack of care and emotional support within the family, as well as the presence of an aggressive environment, are among the primary causes of criminal tendencies.
The full version of the interview can be found at the following link:
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