Preventative and interventive methods in combating mass shootings in the U.S.

Presentation Type

Abstract

Faculty Advisor

Thomas Loikith

Access Type

Event

Start Date

25-4-2025 12:00 PM

End Date

25-4-2025 1:00 PM

Description

Over the past several years, mass shootings, especially in schools, have become almost commonplace. The results of gun violence include the deaths and injuries themselves. Less obvious is the trauma that it has on the survivors and on affected families and communities. Mass shootings continue to stir a national debate about the Second Amendment, the effectiveness of existing gun control laws, the need for new gun control legislation, and mental health issues related to those who commit mass shootings. Recent Supreme Court decisions make efforts to enact meaningful gun control legislation more challenging. In this climate, what can be done to stem the occurrence of mass shootings in the United States? This is a complex problem of heavy interest to society at large. I studied the issue using interdisciplinary research and analysis. Through the disciplines of law and psychology, I analyzed relevant scholarly and non-scholarly sources. I sought common ground between conflicting disciplinary insights, and then integrated them to create a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. That better understanding leads to suggested resolutions of the problem. I have not completed my research yet. However, I conclude that a national effort to balance Second Amendment rights with common sense regulation of gun ownership and use is needed. Part of that effort should be educating the public about the need for legislation that protects Second Amendment rights while protecting the public against gun violence. That effort also should address mental health issues associated with those who commit mass shootings.

Comments

Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.

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Apr 25th, 12:00 PM Apr 25th, 1:00 PM

Preventative and interventive methods in combating mass shootings in the U.S.

Over the past several years, mass shootings, especially in schools, have become almost commonplace. The results of gun violence include the deaths and injuries themselves. Less obvious is the trauma that it has on the survivors and on affected families and communities. Mass shootings continue to stir a national debate about the Second Amendment, the effectiveness of existing gun control laws, the need for new gun control legislation, and mental health issues related to those who commit mass shootings. Recent Supreme Court decisions make efforts to enact meaningful gun control legislation more challenging. In this climate, what can be done to stem the occurrence of mass shootings in the United States? This is a complex problem of heavy interest to society at large. I studied the issue using interdisciplinary research and analysis. Through the disciplines of law and psychology, I analyzed relevant scholarly and non-scholarly sources. I sought common ground between conflicting disciplinary insights, and then integrated them to create a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. That better understanding leads to suggested resolutions of the problem. I have not completed my research yet. However, I conclude that a national effort to balance Second Amendment rights with common sense regulation of gun ownership and use is needed. Part of that effort should be educating the public about the need for legislation that protects Second Amendment rights while protecting the public against gun violence. That effort also should address mental health issues associated with those who commit mass shootings.