Citation

Cowan RG, Cole R. Safer Communities 2022; 21(1): 31-44.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Emerald Group Publishing)

DOI

10.1108/SC-05-2021-0020

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to provide mental health practitioners with a framework for conceptualizing individuals who may be at risk of targeted violence, mass shootings in particular.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Through the lens of the Path to Intended Violence model, a non-experimental descriptive design was chosen to explore the characteristics and behaviors of perpetrators who had engaged in mental health treatment within six months before their attacks.

FINDINGS The perpetrators in this study demonstrated behaviors included in each of the stages of the Path to Intended Violence model. Thus, it may be important for practitioners to be familiar with this model, especially the earlier stages, to potentially identify and intervene with individuals who may be at risk of committing mass violence.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE This paper highlights how the Path to Intended Violence model can provide practitioners with a framework for identifying progressive warning signs in patients and how to take action to stop them from continuing their journey toward violence.

Language: en

Keywords

Descriptive research; Intended violence; Mass shootings; Mental health; Mental health practitioner; Risk assessment