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gun violence

·April 24, 2025·5 min read

Gun Culture a Key Factor in School Shooter Backgrounds

A comprehensive analysis of all known U.S. school shootings reveals that most shooters grew up in social environments where guns were a central part of family bonding and identity. These cultural meanings of affection, fun, and belonging made firearms easily accessible to the shooters—often without barriers at home. In many cases, parents purchased the firearms used or stored them in places their children could reach.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 2, 2024·5 min read

Violence Exposure and Firearms Linked to Teen Suicide Risks

A study of U.S. high school students reveals a strong link between suicidal behavior, externalizing behaviors (such as physical violence), and exposure to violence. Adolescents with a history of weapon carrying or engaging in violent acts were found to have a higher risk of injurious suicide attempts, particularly when firearms are accessible.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 24, 2023·6 min read

Horror and Anguish Are Playing Out on Repeat Following the Latest Mass Shooting, and the Mental Health Scars Extend Far Beyond Those Directly Affected

Experiencing significant trauma due to being the victim or a first responder to a mass shooting leads to serious mental health disorders including PTSD, anxiety, and survivor's guilt. However, the effect of such an event extends beyond those directly affected. Researchers explore how mass shootings spark anxiety and fear, and can have negative implications on mental health for those who are not directly associated with the event.

This shows a person in the ER with an IV line

Featured Neuroscience

·November 15, 2022·3 min read

The Economic Burden of Gun Violence

Injuries and deaths that occur as a result of gun violence result in a major economic burden for healthcare facilities and society overall, researchers say.

This shows a sad little boy sitting on a beach looking at the sea

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 28, 2022·3 min read

Coping With School Shootings

In the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde, psychologists report on the best way to address such tragedies to young children and explore how to help teachers and those directly affected by the events.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 6, 2019·6 min read

Guns and mental illness – The facts and consequences of using a blanket term so vaguely

Despite widespread propaganda, people with mental illnesses only commit 3-4% of all violent acts within the U.S in any given year. Mental health conditions are more strongly associated with suicide, not homicide. Restricting access to guns for those with mental health issues does not take into account those who already own guns and develop mental health conditions over their lifetime. Researchers say, given the climate of blame, people with severe mental health disorders may be dissuaded from seeking treatment.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 5, 2019·2 min read

Statement of APA President in Response to Mass Shootings in Texas and Ohio

"Routinely blaming mass shootings on mental illness is unfounded and stigmatizing. Research has shown that only a very small percentage of violent acts are committed by people who are diagnosed with, or in treatment for, mental illness."

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 5, 2019·3 min read

Link between intimate partner homicide and firearms dealers in urban settings

A significant link has been identified between the concentration of federally licensed firearm dealers in urban areas and intimate partner homicides in the home.

Featured Psychology

·January 19, 2019·4 min read

Violence in PG-13 Rated Movies Not Linked to Violence in US Society

According to researchers, there is little evidence to suggest violence in PG-13 movies is related to real world violence or an increase in violent behavior.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 12, 2018·6 min read

What Mass Shootings do to Those Not Shot: Social Consequences of Gun Violence

Researchers report on the social and psychological consequences exposure to mass shootings have on survivors, first responders and the community as a whole.

Featured Psychology

·May 26, 2018·4 min read

Peer Rejection Isn’t the Culprit Behind School Shootings

Researchers report people should look more deeply into the environmental factors and mental health issues surrounding those involved in school shootings, and not simply blame peer rejection.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 24, 2018·4 min read

Stricter Gun Control Could Stop Violent Men Killing Their Partners and Themselves

A study that utilizes 10 years of data on intimate partner homicide reveals men who have a history of domestic violence and access to guns have an increased risk of committing murder-suicide. Restricting gun access to men with a history of domestic battery could reduce murder suicide rates, researchers report.