Recently, an increasing number of murder cases has sparked concern, making it seem as though the value of human life is diminishing. Most recently, just yesterday, 19-year-old Nurfisya Zulkifly became a murder victim in Ketereh after sustaining 61 stab wounds, marking the latest in a series of inhumane killings in the country. Follow this interview between RAFIDAH SADARUDIN, Senior Psychological Officer at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and journalist NOR 'ASYIKIN MAT HAYIN to delve into this issue. Does a young age make someone more likely to lose emotional control when a conflict arises? Yes, youth can be one of the factors that makes someone more prone to losing emotional control during a dispute, but it is not the only factor. In the field of developmental psychology, there are several key reasons why young people are more inclined to act impulsively. Foremost, brain development is not yet fully mature. The section of the brain that governs rational judgment, self-control, and decision-making—known as the Prefrontal Cortex—is still undergoing development until an individual reaches their mid-20s. How can emotions like anger or feeling challenged influence actions to the point of spiralling out of control, including murder? Among the levels of anger often observed, the mildest is irritation, where an individual feels uncomfortable, disturbed, or slightly dissatisfied. The next stage is frustration. This happens when needs or goals are not met. The emotion intensifies, and the individual may exhibit reactions like sighing or raising their voice. Another stage is intense anger (anger), where the emotion is clear and prominent. Individuals tend to display tense facial expressions, use a loud voice, or utter harsh words. The highest level is extreme wrath (rage). This is a stage of anger that is incredibly difficult to control. It can lead to aggressive actions, whether verbally or physically. What preventive steps can families or friends take to prevent conflicts from escalating into murder? Among the preventive measures that can be taken, family members or friends must remain vigilant regarding behavioral changes that indicate a conflict is becoming serious. Examples include extreme and uncontrollable anger, threats or intimidation towards others, the use of abusive language, repeated insults, and an escalation in aggressive behavior. Aside from that, encouraging constructive, open, and empathetic communication can reduce misunderstandings as well as emotional tension. In highly tense conflict situations, a trusted individual—such as a family member or a close friend—can step in as a neutral third party to help de-escalate the situation and facilitate the conflict resolution process. Can emotional education and self-control skills reduce the risk of such incidents? No matter what we go through in life, it is crucial to continuously seek knowledge. Through knowledge, we can learn to nurture and manage our emotions better, thereby reducing the risk of unwanted incidents. Breathing techniques play a vital role when we are angry. Inhale slowly through your nose for four seconds until your lungs feel full. Next, hold your breath (for four seconds). During this time, try to maintain a calm bodily state. Follow this by exhaling (for four seconds) slowly through your mouth until the air is completely expelled. Finally, pause after exhaling (for four seconds). After emptying your lungs, hold for a brief four seconds before taking another breath.

Source: harianmetro

Date of Input: 26/05/2026 | Updated: 26/05/2026 | ahmadfaiq