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The rise of mass shootings -

In the 1970s, mass shootings in America occurred about every 608 days. By the 2010s, they happened roughly every 20 days, highlighting a concerning trend that demands urgent attention to address its root causes.

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A quarter-century of research -

Since the Columbine tragedy in 1999, experts have worked tirelessly to understand the psychology of mass shooters. Among the leaders in this field is Adam Lankford, a Professor of Criminology at The University of Alabama, whose contributions span various disciplines and approaches.

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A quarter-century of research -

Lankford believes that the work of scholars has significantly contributed to preventing mass shootings. However, he also acknowledges a troubling reality: while defenses may have improved, the growing number of at-risk individuals has increased the frequency of high-fatality incidents.

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Defining mass shootings -

According to US law, a mass killing is defined as the murder of three or more individuals in a single incident, a definition that helps focus research and prevention efforts.

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Defining mass shootings -

Mass shooters operate in both private and public spheres, but public mass shooters, those who target large groups in open spaces, represent the most devastating cases.

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Differences among mass shooters -

Lankford notes that important differences likely exist between public mass shooters responsible for the most lethal attacks and those whose actions result in fewer casualties. Understanding these differences is critical for targeted prevention strategies.

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Impulsive tragedies -

Less deadly mass shootings often stem from impulsive actions, driven by romantic turmoil, sudden rage, or adverse life events. These individuals, acting in the heat of the moment, frequently recognize the gravity of their actions only after the unthinkable has occurred.

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Premeditated horror -

In contrast to impulsive shooters, individuals like Eric Harris, Dylan Klebold, Seung-Hui Cho, Adam Lanza, and Nikolas Cruz meticulously planned their attacks. They reveled in the chaos they caused, showing no remorse for the devastation they inflicted.

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The gendered reality of mass shootings -

Mass shootings are overwhelmingly a male phenomenon, with approximately 98% of perpetrators being men and boys. This striking statistic has drawn significant attention from researchers.

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Masculinity in crisis -

Researchers suggest that a crisis of masculinity may underlie the motivations of mass shooters. These individuals often struggle with social awkwardness and an inability to form romantic relationships.

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Masculinity in crisis -

Failing to achieve the societal ideals of masculinity, such as strength, wealth, attractiveness, and athleticism, some individuals resort to horrifying acts to assert dominance and aggression. 

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Hegemonic masculinity and mass violence -

A 2021 review in the journal Violence Against Women underscores the influence of hegemonic masculinity in mass shootings, particularly in school and terrorist attacks. Qualitative case studies show how rigid gender norms and societal pressures contribute to violent expressions of dominance.

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A hidden factor in mass shootings -

Lankford and his colleagues have identified sexual frustration as a recurring motivator among mass shooters in the tragedies that took place in Columbine, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, Orlando, Las Vegas, Parkland, and Uvalde. 

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A hidden factor in mass shootings -

“There is no one factor that explains the psychology of mass shooters, but sexual frustration seems to be one of the biggest sources of discontent in some perpetrators’ lives,” says Lankford. 

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A hidden factor in mass shootings -

Mass shooters are predominantly young men from middle-class backgrounds, with access to life’s essentials. Yet, their profound unhappiness often drives them to suicidal tendencies. 

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A hidden factor in mass shootings -

For some mass shooters, their unhappiness stems from unattainable desires, whether it’s lasting sexual satisfaction, meaningful relationships, or the respect and achievements they believe are essential to being seen as high-status and attractive.

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The blame game -

Unable to reconcile their perceived inadequacies, some mass shooters channel their frustration into anger. They externalize blame, targeting coworkers, society, women, and ethnic groups, holding them responsible for their failures.

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The 3 Rs -

Ronald W. Pies, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University, highlighted in a 2020 op-ed that public mass shooters often share worldviews dominated by “the 3 Rs”: rage, resentment, and revenge. 

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The role of untreated mental illness -

Mental illness often amplifies the anger and resentment of mass shooters, making it harder to quell. A 2021 study of 50 US mass shooters from 1982 to 2019 revealed that approximately two-thirds had untreated psychiatric disorders.

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Psychological patterns -

Research reveals that approximately 8% of mass shooters have autism spectrum disorder, a rate significantly higher than in the general population. Clinical depression, schizophrenia, paranoia, and narcissism are also common.

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A misunderstood link -

While mental illness is often associated with mass shootings, researchers caution against placing sole blame on conditions like schizophrenia, autism, or depression, as millions face these challenges without resorting to violence.

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Predicting mass violence -

Harold I. Schwartz, Emeritus Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Harford Healthcare’s Institute of Living, emphasizes the challenge of pinpointing what drives someone to commit mass shootings. 

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The role of empathy and interaction -

When an at-risk individual ceases to see others as human, they become capable of committing mass violence. Schwartz points to neuroscientific findings indicating that in-person interactions are crucial for empathy and understanding.

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The role of empathy and interaction -

"Through face-to-face engagement and mirroring, we connect with the minds and, literally, the hearts of others. When you catch another’s smile and smile yourself, you feel better," explains Schwartz. 

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A common thread among school shooters -

Schwartz’s research following the Sandy Hook tragedy reveals a striking pattern: nearly all mass shooters, particularly those targeting schools, experience intense social isolation. This detachment from society plays a critical role in their path to violence.

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Screens vs. human connection -

Schwartz also expresses strong conviction that social media and screen time are increasingly replacing face-to-face interactions, further contributing to social isolation. 

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A call for action -

To combat the increase in mass shootings, Lankford and Schwartz advocate for improved access to mental health care for individuals in need. 

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A call for action -

They also stress the critical role of family and friends in proactively helping troubled individuals receive appropriate care and support.

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Advocating for gun restrictions -

In addition, Schwartz emphasizes the need for stricter gun control measures and safety protocols. He supports red flag laws, empowering law enforcement to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Sources: (Psychology Today) (Scientific American) (Big Think) (American Psychological Association)

See also: Global gun control at a glance: How the world handles mass shootings

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