Citation

Geller ES. Traumatology 2008; 14(1): 8-20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, Publisher APA Journals)

DOI

10.1177/1534765607310223

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This discussion article reviews events and personal reactions following the mass killing at Virginia Tech that took the lives of 27 students and 5 professors, while injuring 29 more, on April 16, 2007. A positive view is attempted by exemplifying incredible campus leadership and resolve throughout the painful aftermath, as well as "reaching-out" communication revealing worldwide concern and compassion. The implementation of certain intervention strategies to increase proactive interpersonal communication for safety, security, and human welfare is advocated to prevent similar catastrophes. The author calls this intervention focus "actively caring," and discusses ways to increase the quantity and quality of this behavior, as gleaned from empirical research and industry-based applications. It is hoped that this presentation will activate relevant conversations, action plans, and research proposals.

Language: en