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Abstract
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As mass shootings increase in frequency, they continue to baffle public officials and the media who often portray such incidents as random and senseless acts of violence. Abundant evidence points to a co-occurrence or association of violence and anger; yet, anger is inadequately examined in mass shootings.
Objective
This study was designed to determine the presence of anger in US mass shootings between 2000 and 2015, the elicitors of such anger, and aspects of the expression of such anger.
Method
The Stanford MSA database was accessed for information on these variables. A total of 132 cases were evaluated by two independent judges using a coding system for presence/absence of anger, elicitors of anger, and dimensions of anger expression. Kappa coefficients were computed to establish reliability of judgments. The Chi-square tested whether a statistically significant number of mass shootings evidenced anger.
Results
Clear presence of anger was identified in 70% of cases (p < .001) the majority of whom were demographically similar in age, sex, and race. Most common elicitors were abandonment/rejection (38%) and insults/affronts (34%) whereas the least common was physical assault (5%). In most cases, the anger expression was regarded as controlled (80%), externalizing (72%) and punitive (81%). Inter-judge reliability ranged from κ = 0.80-0.97.
Conclusions
Findings indicate a high prevalence of anger in mass shootings and the predominantly psychological rather than physical provocation therein. The modal expression style does not suggest random and senseless acts but relatively controlled behavior intended to inflict serious harm in retaliation for perceived wrongdoing. These features of anger and demographics of mass shooters warrant consideration in risk assessment and treatment of this population.
Language: en |