Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Scott Gfeller

Abstract

There is little research on parents’ perceptions about the traits, characteristics, and circumstances ascribed to mass shooters and the sources of information shaping these perceptions. Understanding parents’ beliefs about mass shooters and mass shootings can serve to inform approaches to training and education and recommendations for media reporting on such events. Evidence-based knowledge helps parents become more equipped to serve as early interventionists for those who may be moving along a pathway of violence. Application of Gerbner’s cultivation theory frames the process by which media sources shape perceptions. In this phenomenological qualitative study, semi structured interviews were conducted with 19 parents with at least one child in a K–12 school to gather data to explore participants’ beliefs about mass shootings and the role of the media in constructing their realities about the phenomenon. Two main themes emerged about the traits, characteristics, and circumstances of mass shooters: (a) appearance or demographic profile, and (b) changes in usual or baseline presentation or behavior. Five subthemes emerged under the second theme: (a) negative mood or affect, (b) adverse childhood experience, (c) motivation, (d) social connectedness, and (e) pre-attack warning indicators. The findings of this study have potential implications for positive social change by debunking false narratives about causes of mass shootings; falsely profiling individuals could lead to missed opportunities to help those who view violence as a strategy for avenging a grievance. Accurately identifying pre-attack warning signs before an act of targeted violence is critical to a community-integrated model of identification, assessment, and violence mitigating management.

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