Mass Shootings | Psychology Today United Kingdom

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-GB" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <head> <title>Mass Shootings | Psychology Today United Kingdom</title> <meta charset="utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html" /> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"":"Psychology Today","entityLangcode":"en","page_type":"node","drupal_node_type":"reference","drupal_node_nid":"5000562","drupal_node_title":"Mass Shootings","userUid":0,"event":"drupal_node_view","ContentWeb":"Basics"});</script> <meta name="description" content="Mass murder, typically described as four or more unlawful killings in a single event and location, is among the most heinous acts in which humans engage. In the United States, acts of mass murder, particularly mass shootings, sow fear among individuals and shape culture—and culture wars—more broadly." /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/mass-shootings" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Psychology Today" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/mass-shootings" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Mass Shootings" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Mass murder, typically described as four or more unlawful killings in a single event and location, is among the most heinous acts in which humans engage. In the United States, acts of mass murder, particularly mass shootings, sow fear among individuals and shape culture—and culture wars—more broadly." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-10/2024-11.png.jpg?itok=MK2t-Nce" /> <meta property="fb:app_id" content="220580041311284" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, maximum-scale=1.0, user-scalable=0" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1" /> <meta http-equiv="x-dns-prefetch-control" content="on" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#191C1F" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#F2F2F2" media="(prefers-color-scheme: light)" /> <meta name="alexaVerifyID" content="ruuD3Gzrr-EaY185APFbxF69Va4" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="G-wasBQCXXJoehIaVW5BsO9VYKt4oqmWGo155wSSakQ" /> <meta name="y_key" content="0f29d521db0a2863" /> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="9AD6650A37790044983CFB6B27D77607" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-capable" content="yes" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-title" content="Psych Today" /> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow" /> <script type="application/ld+json">{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "dateCreated": "2022-06-16T16:19:04-0400", "dateModified": "2022-06-23T11:24:20-0400", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/mass-shootings", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/mass-shootings", "name": "Mass Shootings", "alternateName": [ "Mass Murder" ], "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Mass Shootings" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "inDefinedTermSet": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics", "name": "Mass Shootings", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/mass-shootings" }, "mainContentOfPage": { "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": null, "text": "Mass murder, typically described as four or more unlawful killings in a single event and location, is among the most heinous acts in which humans engage. In the United States, acts of mass murder, particularly mass shootings, sow fear among individuals and shape culture—and culture wars—more broadly.\r\n\r\nFrom 2014 to 2021, there were 3,388 mass shootings, according to the Gun Violence Archive. In 2022 alone, from January to mid-June, there were 267.\r\n\r\nMass shootings raise questions about the psychology of violence, the emotional aftermath for those affected and the broader public, child development and parenting approaches, and how to move through a world in which these atrocities occur over and over again.\r\n" }, "relatedLink": [ "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/grief", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/law-and-crime", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/politics", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/child-development", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/personality-disorders", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/trauma", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/post-traumatic-growth" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Psychology Today", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com", "logo": "https://cdn.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/psychology-today-logo-blue-AMP-left-cropped_0.png", 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data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--grid layout-container--has-left-rail layout-container--has-right-rail retain-ltr-area-order"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div> <div id="block-pt-content" class="block">       <article data-history-node-id="5000562" role="article" class="basics-full"> <div class="content-header d-flex reference-header"> <div class="content-header--image"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_75x75/public/2022-06/shutterstock_1220973163%20%281%29.jpg?itok=VtI8PzHl" width="75" height="75" alt="Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock" title="Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> </div> <div class="content-header--text"> <h1 class="reference__title section-title">Mass Shootings</h1> <p class="content-header--synonyms text-teaser-byline">Mass Murder</p> <p class="reference__review-info fine-print"> <a href="/gb/docs/editorial-process" class="reference__review-info-link"> <span class="reference__review-info-icon"></span> <span class="reference__review-info-text">Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff</span> </a> </p> </div> </div> <div> <div class="reference__body"> <div class="field-name-body"> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Mass murder, typically described as </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/shadow-boxing/202102/is-there-link-between-madness-and-mass-murder">four or more unlawful killings</a> in a single event and location, <span><span><span><span><span><span>is among the most heinous acts in which humans engage. In the United States, acts of mass murder, particularly mass shootings, sow <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/fear" title="Psychology Today looks at fear" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">fear</a> among individuals and shape culture—and culture wars—more broadly.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>From 2014 to 2021, there were 3,388 mass shootings, according to the </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/past-tolls"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Gun Violence Archive</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>. In 2022 alone, from January to mid-June, there were 267.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Mass shootings raise questions about the psychology of violence, the emotional aftermath for those affected and the broader public, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/child-development" title="Psychology Today looks at child development" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">child development</a> and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/parenting" title="Psychology Today looks at parenting" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">parenting</a> approaches, and how to move through a world in which these atrocities occur over and over again.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> <div class="table-of-contents border-top"> <h4 class="table-of-contents--title">Contents</h4> <ul> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#the-psychology-of-mass-murder"> The Psychology of Mass Murder </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#mass-shootings-and-mental-health"> Mass Shootings and Mental Health </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#coping-with-tragedy-and-grief"> Coping with Tragedy and Grief </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#parenting-after-a-mass-shooting"> Parenting After a Mass Shooting </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="reference__sections"> <div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="the-psychology-of-mass-murder" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> The Psychology of Mass Murder </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2022-06/shutterstock_694194769%20%281%29.jpg?itok=zpb7Aiza" width="180" height="180" alt="Mangostar/Shutterstock" title="Mangostar/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>To the vast majority of us, it is unfathomable why someone would commit mass murder. Seeking to identify the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/motivation" title="Psychology Today looks at motivation" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">motivation</a> behind shootings may help us to better understand them, and sometimes, to stop them. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What causes someone to commit a mass shooting? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>The individual <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/wicked-deeds/201901/serial-murder-versus-mass-murder">motives for mass murder</a> vary greatly. A common motivation is retaliation or <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/punishment" title="Psychology Today looks at revenge" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">revenge</a>; others include grandiosity and the desire for <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/attention" title="Psychology Today looks at attention" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">attention</a> or fame. On rare occasion, a mass murder occurs when the perpetrator, who may be deeply troubled, suffers a psychotic break from reality and strikes out at his perceived tormentors.</p> <p>Unlike <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/serial-killers" title="Psychology Today looks at serial killers" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">serial killers</a>, mass murderers are frequently, but not always, killed at the scene of the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/law-and-crime" title="Psychology Today looks at crime" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">crime</a>. Sometimes they are shot by law enforcement officers called to the scene, while other times mass murderers take their own lives in a final and deliberate act of suicide.</p> <p>Mass murder is frequently an act of vengeance against society committed by a desperate and fatalistic individual who has no intention of going away quietly or returning to kill another day.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How do mass murder and serial murder differ? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/wicked-deeds/201901/serial-murder-versus-mass-murder">Mass murder and serial murder</a> are two different types of crime with different motivations and goals on the part of the perpetrator. Definitions of serial murder share common elements, but they differ on specific requirements such as the number of murders required, the types of motivation, and the temporal aspects of the murders. Typically, definitions of serial murder specify a certain number of murders, varying from two to ten victims. The classic definition of serial murder required a period of time to elapse between the murders. </p> <p>Mass murder, by contrast, is the act of murdering multiple people, typically simultaneously or over a relatively short period of time. Mass murder may be committed by either individuals or organizations. Mass murder may also be defined as the intentional and indiscriminate murder of a large number of people by government agents. The FBI defines mass murder of this type as killing four or more persons with no cooling-off period between the murders.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What are characteristics of “lone wolf” killers? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>There is no single profile of the “lone wolf terrorist,” but research suggests that <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/stop-the-cycle/201501/lone-wolf-terrorists-and-mental-illness">several characteristics are common.</a> These include vocational problems, high stress levels, problems with intimate partner relationships, social awkwardness, violent communication, high <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/intelligence" title="Psychology Today looks at intelligence" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">intelligence</a>, and a mental illness. Many lone actors have had difficulties functioning adequately in everyday life and maintaining healthy relationships. However, not all group members have every characteristic, such as mental illness. (Only a small minority of people with mental illnesses are violent.) </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--4 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What is a copycat crime? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>A <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-human-equation/202107/the-psychology-copycat-killers">copycat crime</a> is a criminal act that is modeled after or inspired by a previous crime that has been reported in the media or published in fiction. Few copycat crimes are exact replicas of the event that inspired them. Instead, the imitator lifts and copies certain elements—motivation, technique, or setting. While most copycat crimes occur within two years of the initial incident, a crime can occur anytime after the original crime. </p> <p>For individuals predisposed to violence, crime-related media can lead to violence in two ways. First, it can lower people’s natural inhibition against killing by allowing them to create psychological distance from what they’re about to do. Taking on a persona or character makes it easier to harm others. Second, crime media can be a teaching tool, directing the motivated person to discover where, what, and how to succeed. It can also reinforce the notion that reproducing the original crime, or “outdoing it,” will lead to the attention and publicity that the first received.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--5 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How common are copycat crimes? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Crimes can easily be misidentified as copycats. Therefore, the only way to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-human-equation/202107/the-psychology-copycat-killers">determine if a crime is a copycat crime</a> is to catch the criminal and find out why they did it. Such <a href="http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1741659015601172">research</a> found that 22 percent of a sample of incarcerated criminals admitted having committed a copycat crime. Approximately 20 percent of the criminals saw the media as a valuable resource for learning how to commit a crime. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--6 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Why do people commit violence? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Several motivations help explain why some people turn violent. Humans have basic psychological needs, and if <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/motivate/202205/inside-the-mind-shooter">those needs consistently aren’t met</a> in someone’s job, relationships or life, they may turn to other strategies—like substance use, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/self-harm" title="Psychology Today looks at self-harm" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">self-harm</a>, or violence—to remove or redirect their frustration. These psychological needs include:</p> <p>• <strong>Goal attainment: </strong>People may turn to violence when they believe they lack of control over their life and the outcomes they want are unattainable. </p> <p>• <strong>Instant gratification:</strong> The inability to consider long-term consequences. The consequences of a shooting, by contrast, are instantaneous.</p> <p>• <strong>Recognition of competence: </strong>Competence serves as the foundation for accomplishment and recognition. Killers are often described as loners who experienced disrespect and little recognition. Committing horrific crimes, however, leads to immediate global recognition.</p> <p>• <strong>Social reciprocity: </strong>The desire for payback may continue until a maligned individual believes they have corrected any perceived inequity.</p> <p>• <strong>Lack of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/emotional-intelligence" title="Psychology Today looks at emotional intelligence" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">emotional intelligence</a>:</strong> Individuals who commit <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/anger" title="Psychology Today looks at aggression" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">aggression</a> generally lack the ability to regulate their emotions.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-block d-none d-md-block d-lg-none block" id="block-ad-subpage-300x250-programmatically-rendered"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>article continues after advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (window.googletag && googletag.apiReady) { googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9'); }); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="mass-shootings-and-mental-health" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> Mass Shootings and Mental Health </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2022-06/shutterstock_1745849927%20%281%29.jpg?itok=jcuJBZPP" width="180" height="180" alt="fizkes/Shutterstock" title="fizkes/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Mental illness is often deemed the culprit after a mass shooting. Yet research consistently demonstrates that there is a </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/happiness-is-state-mind/201908/we-need-stop-blaming-mental-illness-mass-shootings"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>weak link between mass shootings and mental illness</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a>.<span><span><span><span><span><span> Research also shows that people with mental illness are far more likely to be the victim of a violent crime than the perpetrator.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What’s the relationship between violence and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/psychosis" title="Psychology Today looks at psychosis" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">psychosis</a>? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>A <a href="https://doi.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037/law0000314">study</a> published in the journal <em>Psychology, Public Policy, and Law</em> examined the mental health histories of 176 mass shooters between 1966 and 2020. The research showed that psychosis was deemed to have played a major role in 11 percent of shootings, a moderate role in 9 percent of cases, and a minor role in 11 percent of cases. The role of psychosis in mass shootings has been relatively stable over time, even as the number of mass shootings has risen sharply in the past few years.</p> <p>The results indicate that while mental illness is often blamed for the recent rise in mass shootings, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/media-spotlight/202206/does-psychosis-play-role-in-most-mass-shootings">psychosis alone doesn't appear to be a significant factor. </a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2 faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What’s the relationship between violence and psychopathy? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>While not all murderers are psychopaths and not all psychopaths are murderers, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/unique-everybody-else/201812/are-murderers-unfairly-labeled-psychopaths">psychopaths commit a disproportionate number of murders.</a> Furthermore, murderers generally seem to have unusually high levels of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/psychopathy" title="Psychology Today looks at psychopathic" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">psychopathic</a> traits compared to most people. Psychopathic traits, such as lack of empathy, callousness, coldness, recklessness, and a criminal lifestyle facilitate the commission of the most horrific crimes.</p> <p>Researchers performed a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359178918301678?via%3Dihub">meta-analysis</a> of 22 studies of more than 2,600 homicide offenders in six countries, in which each offender’s psychopathy score was assessed. They found that the average psychopathy scale score for someone who had committed murder in these studies was 21.1. The average score in the general non-offender population is 4 or 5. This means that all the offenders were at least somewhat higher than the community average and that most murderers studied could be considered at least moderately psychopathic.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="coping-with-tragedy-and-grief" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> Coping with Tragedy and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/grief" title="Psychology Today looks at Grief" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">Grief</a> </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2022-06/shutterstock_277525247.jpg?itok=XyMgkRCN" width="180" height="180" alt="ESB Professional/Shutterstock" title="ESB Professional/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Mass shootings encompass a wide array of experiences and emotions. Some lose loved ones. Some witness the horrors firsthand. Some grieve from afar, dealing with the secondhand emotions of grief, sadness, and anger.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How do victims of a mass shooting tend to process the event? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Each person’s experience is unique. Biology, coping skills, past experiences, level of social and emotional support, and other factors impact the ability to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/being-your-best-self/202205/letter-the-families-survivors-and-bystanders-in-texas">cope and heal following a tragedy.</a> For example, attending a support group for grieving families may be helpful and supportive for some yet <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/stress" title="Psychology Today looks at stressful" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">stressful</a> re-traumatizing for others.</p> <p>Those affected by a mass shooting may feel irritable, sad, angry, anxious, shameful, regretful, or helpless, among other emotions. They may eventually feel stronger, empowered, or driven. They may weave in and out of these feelings at different points in time. They may feel like they were in a dream or altered state, as if they were detached from their body. Some people refer to it as an “out of body experience,” as if the experience was happening to someone else. </p> <p>What people were directly exposed to and how it affected them will impact how they feel. If they lost a loved one, they may be going through various stages of grief. All people experience this differently, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How are children affected by mass shootings? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Exposure to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-baby-scientist/202206/the-many-impacts-gun-violence-children">gun violence affects children in ways</a> beyond the direct impact of mass shootings in schools. First, gun violence impacts children through their parents. For example, mothers who are exposed to gun violence experience more mental health problems, such as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/depression" title="Psychology Today looks at depression" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">depression</a>, than do mothers who aren’t exposed. Second, children who have direct exposure to gun violence experience more mental health issues than other children, including psychological distress, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/anxiety" title="Psychology Today looks at anxiety" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">anxiety</a>, depression, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/suicide" title="Psychology Today looks at suicidal" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">suicidal</a> ideation. Support through <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling">therapy</a> or groupwork is always available for children who are struggling. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How do people who aren’t directly affected emotionally respond to mass shootings? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Everyone responds differently, and it’s normal to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/being-your-best-self/202103/coping-our-thoughts-and-feelings-following-mass-shootings">feel a range of difficult emotions.</a> People may feel profoundly sad and mournful, anxious about the possibility of gun violence directly affecting them in the future, or angry and enraged at the killer or political system in place. It’s normal to feel conflicted between wanting to read about the shooting and honor the victims while simultaneously feeling exhausted or fearful of the emotional toll.</p> <p>People may contend with challenging questions such as: “Why can’t I stop thinking about the shooting?” “Am I numb? Have I become so hardened that I’m immune to this?” “How could I wish that the shooter was dead?” These thoughts can be distressing or unsettling, and even challenge people’s ideas of who they are.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--4 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How can people cope with the emotional toll of consistent gun violence? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>After a mass shooting, people can try to cope by acknowledging and processing their emotions, supporting the victims, taking action if that’s personally important, and striving to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/being-your-best-self/202103/coping-our-thoughts-and-feelings-following-mass-shootings">live meaningfully and mindfully.</a> To reflect on how to live meaningfully, people can think about whether they exercise care and compassion toward others, spend enough time with loved ones, practice <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/gratitude" title="Psychology Today looks at gratitude" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">gratitude</a> for what they have, take risks and challenge themselves, define their purpose and goals, and take care of themselves on a regular basis.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="parenting-after-a-mass-shooting" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/parenting" title="Psychology Today looks at Parenting" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">Parenting</a> After a Mass Shooting </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2022-06/shutterstock_200319443.jpg?itok=6Gc_Wpta" width="180" height="180" alt="Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock" title="Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>“Parents don't need to be told how to talk to their children in the aftermath of mass shootings,” </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-modern-child/202205/what-parents-don-t-need-hear-after-school-shooting"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>writes</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><em><span>Psychology Today</span></em></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span> blogger Katherine Nguyen Williams, Ph.D. “They need to be told, with truth and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/confidence" title="Psychology Today looks at confidence" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">confidence</a>, that their children can go to school without being shot and killed while learning their fractions.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>And yet parents are forced to confront mass shootings with their children—again and again. They must think about how to explain mass shootings in age appropriate way, how to quell their child’s fears, and how to cope with their own emotions. A strong relationship with their parent is what helps children to persevere.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What steps should parents take after a school shooting? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>In the aftermath of a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/all-kids-thriving/202206/8-tips-parents-after-school-shooting">school shooting, parents should proactively</a> communicate with and comfort their children. Steps include:</p> <p>• <strong>Prepare for the discussion: </strong>Before you talk to a child or <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adolescence" title="Psychology Today looks at teenager" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">teenager</a>, prepare what you want to share with them and what you don’t. Collect yourself so you can be calm, truthful, and authentic.</p> <p>• <strong>Initiate conversation: </strong>Ask what your kids are feeling and listen carefully so you can respond to their concerns, misconceptions, and fears truthfully. Explain that you will create ongoing opportunities to talk.</p> <p>• <strong>Limit exposure to media: </strong>Seeing graphic, disturbing footage repeatedly can be harmful long-term.</p> <p>• <strong>Keep routines in place: </strong>Routines are reassuring to children.</p> <p>• <strong>Monitor your child:</strong> Signs that they may be struggling include persistent <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/fear" title="Psychology Today looks at fear" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">fear</a>, stress, regressive behaviors, difficulty concentrating, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/sleep" title="Psychology Today looks at sleeping" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">sleeping</a>, or eating, and stomachaches or headaches. You may want to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling">find a therapist</a> for your child.</p> <p>• <strong>Discuss your concerns: </strong>Balance honesty about your emotions with measured calm. You may want to discuss actions being taken or safety plans in place.</p> <p>• <strong>Take action:</strong> For example, this may include supporting the victims or taking political action. </p> <p>• <strong>Take care of yourself:</strong> Eating well, sleeping well, journaling, meditating, support from loved ones and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling">therapy</a> can help you stay strong for your children.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How should parents talk to their kids about gun violence? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Parents should <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/naked-truth/202205/talking-your-kids-about-school-shootings">plan in advance what they want to share</a> or not share with their children. This should be based on the child’s age and developmental ability to process difficult life situations. In general, telling children the horrific details of school shootings is not necessary or helpful, while making clear that you want them to feel safe talking to you about school violence is important.</p> <p>Choose a quiet time and location for the conversation. Begin by asking open-ended questions and listening to their answers. You may want to start by saying something like, “Have you heard anything about kids getting hurt at school?” If your child was directly affected, start with something like, “What happened today was a really big deal. How are you feeling about it? Can you tell me about your experience?”</p> <p>Listen carefully and reflect back what you heard to validate their experience. Ask follow-up questions as needed. Be honest and share your feelings. Emphasize that people are working to help keep your child as safe as possible. Make clear that you are always available to talk.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What are signs that children are struggling with their mental health after a school shooting? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>In the weeks following a shooting, parents can monitor their children for <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-modern-child/202205/what-parents-don-t-need-hear-after-school-shooting">signals that they may be struggling.</a> Signs include avoiding school, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/loneliness" title="Psychology Today looks at social isolation" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">social isolation</a>, difficulty concentrating, increased tantrums, regressive behaviors, the inability to sleep or eat, and consistent stomachaches or headaches. These behaviors may portend anxiety, depression, or other conditions, and parents may want to seek support from a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling">mental health professional.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--4 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How can parents support children transitioning back to school after a school shooting? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>For students who were involved in a school shooting themselves, the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/collective-healing/202206/supporting-kids-after-school-shooting">transition back to school is complex.</a> Many don’t believe that children should be forced back to school if they are scared; instead, they should be eased into school with the support of school staff and mental health staff. Parents and educators should create spaces to discuss the event, allowing children to express their needs and help identify approaches to navigate their challenges. After incidents of trauma and community violence, kids may find it meaningful to know how they can be helpful. And keep in mind that most people who experience symptoms after a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/trauma" title="Psychology Today looks at traumatic" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">traumatic</a> event don’t go on to develop a mental health condition such as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder" title="Psychology Today looks at PTSD" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">PTSD</a>. Children are <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/resilience" title="Psychology Today looks at resilient" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">resilient</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-a25f7229f084ccd90723067979c9316ba906f1597ea611a7c1fe03bdb61b06e5"> <section class="basics--essential-reads"> <div class="h2 page-section-header">Essential Reads</div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5024789"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/from-the-desk-of-the-mental-health-lawyer/202409/when-parents-of-school-shooters-face-legal"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/ben-white-e92L8PwcHD4-unsplash.jpg?itok=kdoJnpKJ" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Ben White / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/from-the-desk-of-the-mental-health-lawyer/202409/when-parents-of-school-shooters-face-legal" title="When Parents of School Shooters Face Legal Liabilities "> When Parents of School Shooters Face Legal Liabilities </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> By bringing charges against the father of the Apalachee High School shooter, prosecutors are illustrating how the U.S. can combat the epidemic of gun violence. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5024304"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/from-the-desk-of-the-mental-health-lawyer/202409/analyzing-the-latest-legal-outcome-for-a"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/wesley-tingey-RnfF8SXkzRw-unsplashNEW.jpg?itok=iZFH26tH" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Wesley Tingey / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/from-the-desk-of-the-mental-health-lawyer/202409/analyzing-the-latest-legal-outcome-for-a" title="Analyzing the Latest Legal Outcome for a Shooter’s Parents"> Analyzing the Latest Legal Outcome for a Shooter’s Parents </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Gun-owning parents should stay highly attuned to changing perspectives on their potential liabilities and heightened legal risks. </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5024010"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/esprit/202408/school-safety-10-warning-signs-to-watch-for-in-your-child"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-08/Nina_10%20Signs%20Blog%20Post%20Pic.png.jpg?itok=QkExz1KN" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="By Evrymmnt on Canva / Used with Permission" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/esprit/202408/school-safety-10-warning-signs-to-watch-for-in-your-child" title="School Safety: 10 Warning Signs to Watch for in Your Child"> School Safety: 10 Warning Signs to Watch for in Your Child </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Keep our kids safe. Parents and educators must stay informed and aware. Concerning adolescent behavior may demand psychiatric treatment. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5018813"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/intersecting-law-and-mental-health/202404/are-parents-to-blame-for-crimes-of-their-kids"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-04/iStock-509557490.jpg?itok=Q_8JYnfO" width="600" height="400" alt="scales of justice and law book in court" title="Brian A. Jackson / Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/intersecting-law-and-mental-health/202404/are-parents-to-blame-for-crimes-of-their-kids" title="Are Parents to Blame for the Crimes of Their Kids?"> Are Parents to Blame for the Crimes of Their Kids? </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Personal Perspective: Are parents to blame if they ignore their child's red flags and provide gun access? </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-d092456c5913b3a3cffb5b6adbb6a27d93beb65c678ad8ae92bceadfdc9c52b0 layout-container--grid--content-main-additional basics--recent-posts"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5023417"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/from-the-desk-of-the-mental-health-lawyer/202408/reflecting-on-school-shootings-in-2024"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-08/toxic-player-mTQQPJ0jmPg-unsplash.jpg?itok=uXsi-oTN" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Toxic Player / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/from-the-desk-of-the-mental-health-lawyer/202408/reflecting-on-school-shootings-in-2024" rel="bookmark">Reflecting on School Shootings in 2024</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Keeping schools safe will require legislative changes. In addition, educators, parents, and communities must take more proactive, preventive measures to prevent tragedies. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Keeping schools safe will require legislative changes. In addition, educators, parents, and communities must take more proactive, preventive measures to prevent tragedies. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5022426"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/resilience-to-bullying/202407/what-we-should-learn-about-bullying-from-trumps-shooter"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-07/shutterstock_2203447345.jpg?itok=xjLa94Cz" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="ivector/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/resilience-to-bullying/202407/what-we-should-learn-about-bullying-from-trumps-shooter" rel="bookmark">What We Should Learn About Bullying From Trump's Shooter</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Personal Perspective: The assassination attempt against Donald Trump reveals that the movement to reduce violence by eradicating bullying has backfired. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Personal Perspective: The assassination attempt against Donald Trump reveals that the movement to reduce violence by eradicating bullying has backfired. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5021625"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/from-the-desk-of-the-mental-health-lawyer/202406/will-new-parental-liabilities-extend-to"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-06/sergey-zolkin-_UeY8aTI6d0-unsplash.jpg?itok=zJYoW-be" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Sergey Zolkin / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/from-the-desk-of-the-mental-health-lawyer/202406/will-new-parental-liabilities-extend-to" rel="bookmark">Will New Parental Liabilities Extend to Online Behavior? </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Those with serious mental health issues can exhibit symptoms by harassing, defaming and threatening people online, creating potential liabilities for loved ones. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Those with serious mental health issues can exhibit symptoms by harassing, defaming and threatening people online, creating potential liabilities for loved ones. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5019029"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/mental-health-care-today/202404/what-are-mass-murderers-motives"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-05/gavel-2492011_1280.jpg?itok=qMl31YLV" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Arek Socha / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/mental-health-care-today/202404/what-are-mass-murderers-motives" rel="bookmark">What Are Mass Murderers’ Motives?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Questions about the "motivations" of mass murderers are often raised in the media. What have we learned and can it help us? </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Questions about the "motivations" of mass murderers are often raised in the media. What have we learned and can it help us? </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5017399"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/why-bad-looks-good/202403/protect-your-community-by-boosting-bystander-reporting"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-03/parking-space-1487891_1280.jpg?itok=23eb8tR3" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Harut Movsisyan/Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/why-bad-looks-good/202403/protect-your-community-by-boosting-bystander-reporting" rel="bookmark">Protect Your Community by Boosting Bystander Reporting </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Despite being continually reminded that if we “see something, say something,” most people don’t. Research reveals how to boost benevolent bystander behavior. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Despite being continually reminded that if we “see something, say something,” most people don’t. 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Changing these narratives can help. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Mass shooting is made worse by myths promoted through misleading media coverage. Changing these narratives can help. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5014133"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/psych-unseen/202312/what-causes-terrorism-mental-illness-or-ideological-belief"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2023-12/shutterstock_210322249.jpg?itok=Ls7-nTQ4" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Hlib Shabashnyi/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/psych-unseen/202312/what-causes-terrorism-mental-illness-or-ideological-belief" rel="bookmark">What Causes Terrorism? Mental Illness or Ideological Belief?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Racial bias and motivated reasoning drive causal attributions of terrorist violence. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Racial bias and motivated reasoning drive causal attributions of terrorist violence. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5013840"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/agens-scientiam/202311/duty-to-protect-and-the-red-flag-option"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2023-11/doctor-5710150_1280.jpg?itok=HEndYTFd" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Max / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/agens-scientiam/202311/duty-to-protect-and-the-red-flag-option" rel="bookmark">Duty to Protect and the “Red Flag” Option</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Balancing public safety, client confidentiality, and autonomy. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Balancing public safety, client confidentiality, and autonomy. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5013167"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/from-the-desk-of-the-mental-health-lawyer/202311/we-need-to-do-better-removing-weapons-from"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2023-11/man-4134645_1280.jpg?itok=ATQEvsh3" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Sammy-Sander / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div 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