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When these mass shootings occur the focus tends to be on the number of deaths, and it is these that are used for statistical scrutiny. However, the broader picture tends to get lost. Many also suffer injuries, both physical and mental which can have long term repercussions. The latter not limited to those directly involved in the event, it can also affect families of victims, those in the support organisations (eg police, paramedics, etc). Even those with no association can be affected in some way. In armed conflict this had been a well-known issue which has taken many names: ‘shell-shocked’, survivor guilt, combat stress disorder, PTSD, etc. Acute cases have led to the suicide. There has also been some evidence to suggest a relationship between ptsd and subsequent violence.
The consequences of exposure to violence are very real and, in particular, can have a profound effect on child development. Studies have found that children and youth exposed to chronic trauma can experience inhibited brain development, producing a lasting impact on life outcomes. As suggested by the research, many children experience problems with violence and aggression because they lack nonviolent conflict-resolution skills. Much of this violence and aggression is further exacerbated by emotional overload from exposure to violence. Children and youth exposed to violence experience significant stress, and often struggle to identify and regulate their emotions, as a result of developmental impacts from their frequent exposure to trauma. Their emotions are often internalized and can later erupt in aggression and violence.
It was also noted that these skill deficits can be the result of children and youth learning behavior through observing and mimicking the actions of those around them. When adults exhibit aggressive and violent behavior, such behavior is often interpreted as appropriate and acceptable. A cycle of violence starts when children and youth observe and embrace negative adult behaviors and, eventually, model such interactions with their own children.
It was also recognized that until child and youth exposure to violence is eliminated, childhood mental health problems will likely continue to grow. This has been illustrated by a dramatic growth in the number of children and youth with mental health problems, and that service providers must actively work to educate the public on childhood mental illness.
So when it is claimed that the problem lies with mental health issues, then the problem can be best described as a self-fueling fire. Gun violence will continue to contribute the mental health problem and thereby increase the risk of further gun (as well as other forms of) violence in the future.
The consequences of exposure to violence are very real and, in particular, can have a profound effect on child development. Studies have found that children and youth exposed to chronic trauma can experience inhibited brain development, producing a lasting impact on life outcomes. As suggested by the research, many children experience problems with violence and aggression because they lack nonviolent conflict-resolution skills. Much of this violence and aggression is further exacerbated by emotional overload from exposure to violence. Children and youth exposed to violence experience significant stress, and often struggle to identify and regulate their emotions, as a result of developmental impacts from their frequent exposure to trauma. Their emotions are often internalized and can later erupt in aggression and violence.
It was also noted that these skill deficits can be the result of children and youth learning behavior through observing and mimicking the actions of those around them. When adults exhibit aggressive and violent behavior, such behavior is often interpreted as appropriate and acceptable. A cycle of violence starts when children and youth observe and embrace negative adult behaviors and, eventually, model such interactions with their own children.
It was also recognized that until child and youth exposure to violence is eliminated, childhood mental health problems will likely continue to grow. This has been illustrated by a dramatic growth in the number of children and youth with mental health problems, and that service providers must actively work to educate the public on childhood mental illness.
So when it is claimed that the problem lies with mental health issues, then the problem can be best described as a self-fueling fire. Gun violence will continue to contribute the mental health problem and thereby increase the risk of further gun (as well as other forms of) violence in the future.
