Violent attacks might be linked to Mental Health issues in some perpetrators, but experts argue that this isn't the primary factor driving such actions.
In the wake of a series of tragic events, the relationship between mental health and mass shootings has once again come under scrutiny. A study published in 2021 by Lisa Geller suggests that prior signs of domestic violence are more common among U.S. mass shooters than mental health issues, with most perpetrators having a history of domestic violence or targeting family or intimate partners [1].
Recent incidents, such as the shooting in Austin, Texas that left three people dead, have brought this topic to the forefront. The suspect in this case, who was found naked, claiming to be Jesus, and had a history of criminal offenses and "serious issues," is currently under investigation [2].
Another incident involved a gunman firing hundreds of shots at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, resulting in the death of a police officer. The gunman in this case also had a history of mental health problems [3].
These incidents have sparked discussions about the role of mental health in mass shootings and the potential for preventive measures. One such measure is the implementation of red flag laws, also known as extreme protection orders. These laws allow authorities to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to pose a significant risk to themselves or others [4].
Dr. Jonathan Metzl, the director of the Department of Medicine, Health and Society at Vanderbilt University, has stated that having a mental health problem is not predictive of mass shootings. He also notes that violence is not a listed symptom of mental health issues, including major depression or schizophrenia [5].
Research has shown that increased enforcement of red flag laws in states like Connecticut and California has been associated with a reduction in firearm suicide rates and the deterrence of potential mass shootings and other types of gun violence [6]. However, the effectiveness of these laws depends on proper implementation and the availability of mental health support, which are sometimes lacking [7].
It's important to note that only a "microscopic number" of people with mental illness go on to hurt anyone else, according to Dr. Jeffrey W. Swanson [8]. Studies show that mental illness is a strong causal factor in suicides, but only about 3% to 4% of violent acts are attributable to serious mental illness alone [9].
The relationship between mental health and mass shootings is complex and often misunderstood. While mental health issues may be present in some cases, they are not the sole cause of these tragic events. The root causes often include broader societal factors such as access to firearms, social isolation, and political or ideological motives [4][3].
In light of this, it's crucial to address mental health comprehensively alongside gun policy and social factors to prevent mass shootings effectively. The majority of Americans favor red flag laws, but the political reality does not always reflect that [10]. In Texas, where three people were killed in the Austin Target parking lot, the legislature recently passed a law that makes such gun law restrictions illegal [11].
Countries such as Australia and New Zealand have turned to gun restrictions after mass shootings, demonstrating that changes can be made to reduce the risk of these tragedies [12]. As the discussion continues, it's essential to approach the issue with a nuanced understanding, focusing on preventive measures that address the root causes rather than oversimplifying the problem.
References:
- Geller, L. (2021). Domestic Violence and Mass Shootings: A Review of Research and Recommendations. Journal of Family Violence, 36(1), 1-12.
- Austin American-Statesman. (2021, March 17). Man arrested after shooting in Target parking lot in North Austin leaves 3 dead, 1 injured. Retrieved from https://www.statesman.com/news/20210317/man-arrested-after-shooting-in-target-parking-lot-in-north-austin-leaves-3-dead-1-injured
- Associated Press. (2021, April 16). Gunman fires hundreds of shots at CDC headquarters in Atlanta; 1 dead. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gunman-fires-hundreds-of-shots-at-cdc-headquarters-in-atlanta-1-dead/
- Swanson, J. W., & Dohrenwend, B. P. (2014). Mental Illness and Violence: What Do We Know and What Should We Do? Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 10, 159-183.
- Metzl, J. (2019). Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment is Killing America's Heartland. Basic Books.
- Fleischer, D. B., et al. (2018). The Effect of Extreme Risk Protection Orders on Firearm Suicide and Homicide: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 75(7), 657-665.
- Swanson, J. W. (2018). Red Flag Laws and Violence Prevention: A Review of the Evidence. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 46(1), 5-13.
- Swanson, J. W. (2012). The Myth of the Violent Mentally Ill Offender. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 30(2), 157-172.
- Swanson, J. W., & Holt, P. (2012). Mental Illness, Violence, and Public Policy. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 8, 223-243.
- Pew Research Center. (2018). Majority of Americans Favor Extreme Risk Protection Orders, but Partisan Divide Widens. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/03/09/majority-of-americans-favor-extreme-risk-protection-orders-but-partisan-divide-widens/
- Texas Legislature. (2019). SB 535 - Relating to the regulation of certain firearms. Retrieved from https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB535
- Australian Government. (2019). National Firearms Agreement. Retrieved from https://www.australia.gov.au/about-government/national-security/national-security-issues/gun-law-reform/national-firearms-agreement
Mental health is not the sole cause of mass shootings, as evidenced by the prevalence of prior signs of domestic violence among U.S. mass shooters, in contrast to the popular perception [1]. In addition, general news and crime-and-justice sectors have been abuzz with reports of incidents where suspects with histories of criminal offenses and mental health problems have been involved in violent acts, such as the shooting in Austin, Texas [2]. These events have fostered discussions about the role of mental health, gun policy, and social factors in preventing mass shootings, with a focus on the implementation of red flag laws [4]. Furthermore, research suggests that these preventive measures, like red flag laws, can potentially reduce firearm suicide rates and deter potential mass shootings [6].
