Lack of awareness of the implications of carrying weapons has been a
notable feature of many of the young people that I have worked with. It
seems to be a reflection of these young people’s omnipotent and magical
thinking that they will be able to use weapons to protect themselves
somehow without hurting anyone. Darren’s attentional problems, impulsivity,
and ‘pseudo gangster’ false self led to him holding a knife without a
clear awareness of the potential consequences. He had no knowledge of
alternative problem-solving strategies or how to extricate himself from the
escalating situation.