Mental Health After Mass Shootings: Research Findings and Clinical Considerations

Product not yet rated

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $35
    • NR Member - Free!
    • NR Associate - Free!
    • NR HSP Credential - Free!
    • NR Practice Academy - Free!
    • CR Associate - Free!
    • CR HSP Credential - Free!
    • International Affiliate - Free!

    Continue

Abstract

Mass shootings are increasingly common in the United States and associated with a range of adverse mental health outcomes. In this article, we summarize the small but growing empirical literature on the mental health consequences of mass shootings, describing commonly examined post-shooting outcomes (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms), risk factors for poor mental health (e.g., higher exposure), and protective factors associated with lower symptoms (e.g., social support). We then discuss key clinical and ethical challenges that can arise after mass shootings, such as those related to competence and confidentiality, and provide recommendations for evidence-based assessment and practice, including Psychological First Aid and empirically supported treatments for PTSD. The clinical case study of Jason and his therapist Margaret illustrates the article’s key themes.

Continuing Education Information

1 CE Credit, Instructional Level: Intermediate

1 Contact Hour (New York Board of Psychology)

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify the mental health outcomes associated with mass shootings.
  2. Analyze risk factors for poor mental health associated with mass shootings.
  3. Discuss clinical and ethical challenges that can arise after mass shootings.

Disclosures: No conflicts of interest to disclose. Generative AI was not used in the development or content.

----------------------------

CE Disclaimers

The National Register of Health Service Psychologists is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The National Register maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

The National Register of Health Service Psychologists is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0010

Lowe et al.

Sarah R. Lowe, PhD (she/her), is an Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale School of Public Health. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher with expertise in the long-term mental health consequences of traumatic events.

Nelba Márquez-Greene, LMFT (she/her), is the Activist in Residence within the Office of Public Health Practices at Yale School of Public Health. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in grief, loss, and trauma and their impact on individuals and systems.

Megan L. Ranney, MD, MPH (she/her), is Dean and C.-E.A. Winslow Professor of Health Policy at Yale School of Public Health. She is an emergency physician, researcher, and national advocate for innovative approaches to public health, including those that prevent and mitigate the consequences of firearm violence.

Components visible upon registration.