Reducing Gun Violence

Survivors are often left to cope on their own, as researchers found there was very little known about the coping of an attack (Jenson, Thoresen, Grete, 2015). While many people are religious, their research found that it was used least in coping, and that “problem solving and positive cognitive restructuring were used most frequently” (Jenson et al., 2015). These events can have such profound impacts that they can alter views on life and the world permanently. Students reported in Norway after a major shooting that they viewed the world more negatively (Nordanger et al., 2011). It was also observed that 4.9% of the teen survivors of the attack reported substantial posttraumatic distress (Nordanger et al, 2011). The Diagnostic and Statistical …show more content…
However, no such solution could feasibly be reached. In the case of America, the implementation of legislation, policies and procedures aimed at reducing Gun violence may be the best course of action (Gereluk, Donlevy, Thompson, 2015). One of the most shocking and violent shootings in the United States was the Newtown, Connecticut shooting of Sandy Hook Elementary school. The shooter who was 20 years old killed 20 children and 6 adults. In the investigation following the shooting it was found the shooter Adam Lanza had mental health issues, he had previously been diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder, and a physician had previously noted he lacked empathy (Kupchik, Brent, Mowen, …show more content…
While these events may grasp a larger audience’s attention on the killer’s mental health, the victim’s response and trauma is not adequately presented in modern culture and media. Most people will understand they will be traumatized and need mental health care, yet there is a gap in discussing this openly. A similar situation could be PSTD in returning soldiers from deployment. It is widely known they can have increased chances of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, yet many are still afraid to seek help because they believe it is so stigmatized in military, and American culture. In the case of school shootings, seeking mental help is not stigmatized, it should not be stigmatized, and it is just not discussed in the public’s view enough. To promote the health and normalization of shooting victims, mental health treatment must not only become standard for all levels of traumatic stress but become widely accepted, to the same extent as medicine is. Unfortunately, even with shootings becoming an ever-common occurrence in America, there are still large gaps in information and research into effects and outcomes of victims. While professionals will continue to treat victims and survivors of mass shootings, it remains to be seen whether these attacks can be prevented for future