Gun Violence & Social-Emotional Learning

Gun violence at Club Q in Colorado Springs

Our hearts go out to the victims and families of those killed and injured during the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs on Saturday. This shooting follows in the wake of several other high-profile mass shootings in the U.S. this year, and brings the country's mass shooting total to 601 for 2022, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

Mental health & gun violence

Contrary to popular belief, most research says that most mass shooters don’t fall into the range of frank mental illness or disorder. This is not to say that serious mental illness, including psychotic conditions, plays no role in mass shootings; a small percentage of mass shooters do have mental disorders of psychotic proportions.

What is seen more often is a lack of connectedness to others, hopelessness, desperation, identity issues, body image insecurities, and suicidality.

The 3 R’s, rage, resentment, and revenge, often shape the worldviews of mass shooters. These feelings are a product of cultural, social, individual, family, school, peer, and other risk factors that interact and compound over time during childhood and adolescence.

Internet platforms

Mass shooters often report lacking a sense of belonging, and many look to online hate groups to provide a false sense of community in its place. When individuals inclined towards racism, misogyny, homophobia, and xenophobia access online niches that reinforce their views, they can be motivated towards violence. Social media platforms also give violent actors the platform to publicize their plans and even document attacks. Online misogyny has been identified as a source of radicalization for mass attackers and violent extremists, and hate speech online is linked to a global increase in violence towards minorities, including mass shootings.

Childhood trauma

Research shows that mass shooters consistently suffer childhood trauma and exposure to violence at a young age. This may include significant events like parental suicide, physical or sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and/or severe bullying. Trauma often triggers mental health concerns in adolescence including depression, anxiety, hallucinations/delusions, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. It is often repeated, long-term trauma that catalyzes violent outbursts.

Warning signs

The most consistent predictor of future violence is a history of violent behavior. Perpetrators of mass shootings often display dangerous warning signs before the shooting, such as engaging in recent acts of violence or threats of violence or violating a protection order. Noticing these warning signs presents opportunities for intervention that could save lives.

Importance of social-emotional learning

While gun control laws are necessary, they do not address the root causes of violent behavior. School counselors, social workers, wellness programs, social-emotional learning (SEL), and policies and practices that decrease the stigma around mental illness will not only help in efforts to prevent mass shootings, but will also help promote the social and emotional success of youth and adults alike. Reducing risk factors and increasing access to mental health support are key to preventing mass shooting attacks.

SEL programs help students:

Develop empathy
Learn to manage emotions
Work on impulse control
Practice responsible decision-making
Develop self-identities and foster a sense of belonging

Impacts of SEL programs:

Reduced aggression
Decline in suspensions
Reduced suicidal thoughts
Improved emotional regulation
Improved academic achievement

Final thoughts

The normalization of hate and violence across the globe may feel like a problem beyond our individual power. However, it is critical that we come together and understand that we can win the fight against hate by building unity, solidarity, and love for each other - proactively.

Takeaways

Mental illness does not equate to violence

Most mass shooters don’t fall into the range of frank mental illness or disorder
A lack of connectedness to others is common in mass shooters, and many look to online hate groups for a sense of community
Childhood trauma and exposure to violence at a young age is linked to violent acts later in life

Be mindful of those around you.

Mass shooters often show warning signs before violent attacks.
Major crises often occur in the months or weeks prior to violent attacks.
The fact that most mass shooters display warning signs prior to their acts of violence highlights the opportunities to intervene and prevent these tragedies.

Promote SEL programs

SEL programs teach students how to interact with their emotions in a healthy way, interact with others in a healthy way, and develop resilience while building connectedness. This can prevent violence inside and outside of school.

The YESS Institute stands in solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and against hate in all forms.

To learn more about the YESS Institute’s social-emotional learning programs, check out our website: www.yessinstitute.org.

Resources

If you are looking for more information or mental health resources, check out the links below:

Colorado Crisis Services hotline: Call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255 to speak with a trained counselor or professional. Counselors are also available at walk-in locations or online to chat between 4 p.m. and 12 a.m.
A list of mental health providers offering therapy for those impacted. Many are providing sessions free or at a reduced charge.
Diversus Health: Offers a 24/7 walk-in crisis center for crisis services and counseling for all ages, regardless of ability to pay. You can request an appointment here or visit 115 S. Parkside Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
Peak View Behavioral Health Assessment team: 719-444-8484 or www.peakviewbh.com.
Inside Out Youth Services: provides support and resources for LGBTQ youth and are coordinating vigils for people to gather.
Wellpower: Mental Health Center of Colorado; focus on violence prevention and substance abuse prevention in youth
One Colorado
The Transgender Center for the Rockies: Statewide resources for LGBT+