Handbook of Gun Violence

1st Edition - October 24, 2024
Editor: Nicholas D Thomson
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 5 2 7 2 - 9
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 5 2 7 3 - 6

Handbook of Gun Violence provides a comprehensive review of the complex world of gun violence. From its roots in epidemiology and public health to the intricacies of biopsychosoci… Read more

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Handbook of Gun Violence provides a comprehensive review of the complex world of gun violence. From its roots in epidemiology and public health to the intricacies of biopsychosocial risk factors to criminological and forensic considerations, this book offers an interdisciplinary exploration of a pressing societal issue. Sections cover everything from the history of firearm injury prevention research to the social, political, and policy implications surrounding gun violence. This book focuses on evidence-based strategies and emerging research areas, and equips readers with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of gun violence prevention, intervention, research, and policy. With contributions from leading experts across various fields, including scientists from the CDC and NIH, this handbook provides invaluable insights into understanding, preventing, and addressing gun violence.

Handbook of Gun Violence
Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Contributors
Foreword
Preface
Section A: Epidemiology/Public health
Chapter 1 The history of firearm injury prevention research
Abstract
Keywords
Firearm injury and death: Why should we care?
Firearm injury prevention: Why is research needed?
The creation of the field of injury prevention science
The 1980–1990s
The 1990–2010s
The turning tide: Increasing rates of firearm injury spark change
Building the field
The creation of a National Research Society
Looking forward
Conclusion
References
Chapter 2 The public health approach for firearm violence and injury prevention
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Epidemiological trends in firearm violence
Socioecological model
Haddon matrix for injury prevention
Structural level
Community level
Relationship level
Individual level
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3 IPV and gun violence: A focus on teen dating violence
Abstract
Keywords
Gun-related IPV
Teen dating violence
Gun violence among adolescents
Gun-involved TDV
Risk and protective factors for TDV
Micro level factors
Mezzo level
Macro level
Conclusions and future directions
References
Chapter 4 Firearm suicide risk and prevention in service members
Abstract
Keywords
Military culture and firearm ownership
Theoretical context of firearm suicide among service members
Epidemiology of firearm suicide risk in service members
Firearm access
Firearm storage
Psychiatric disorders and gun carrying behaviors
Physical illness
Service-related stressors
Interpersonal risk factors
Geographic location and local gun laws
Prevention
Promoting safe firearm storage
Education and training campaigns
Means restriction during periods of high risk
Interventions
Suicide-focused psychotherapies
Safety planning/crisis response planning
Lethal means safety
Challenges
Future directions
References
Resources
Chapter 5 Firearm suicide
Abstract
Keywords
Acknowledgments
The toll of firearm suicide in the United States
Costs
Firearm access
Association between firearm access and suicide risk—Theory and concepts
Association between firearm access and suicide risk—The literature
Suicide risk—Is it really just the firearm?
Prevention
Why would limiting access to firearms reduce suicide rates?
Firearm suicide prevention in clinics and communities
Acceptability of clinical interventions
Research gaps
Firearm suicide prevention through legislation and policies
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6 Inequities in interpersonal firearm violence
Abstract
Keywords
Required disclaimer
Introduction
The importance and burden of firearm violence
Firearm carrying
Mass shootings
Hate crimes
Legal intervention deaths
Factors contributing to inequities in interpersonal firearm violence
Policies, practices, and programs to reduce health inequities
Future directions
Summary
References
Chapter 7 The epidemiology and prevention of unintentional firearm injuries
Abstract
Keywords
Epidemiology
Measurement
Intervention and prevention
Prevention approaches
Approaches to encourage behavior change
Conclusions
References
Section B: Biopsychosocial
Chapter 8 Risk and protective factors for adolescent gun carrying and firearm violence
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Developmental patterns of gun carrying
Racial and ethnic differences
Theoretical models and risk factors for gun carrying
Antisocial lifestyle
Self-protection
Social influence
Social and legal policies
Youth gun violence
Predictors of gun violence
Limitations of existing knowledge
Conclusion and next steps
Clinical and policy implications
References
Chapter 9 Neurobiology of violence
Abstract
Keywords
Brain areas
Prefrontal cortex
Ventromedial prefrontal cortex
Anterior cingulate cortex
Orbitofrontal cortex
Amygdala
Pharmacology of violence: Insights from behavioral neuroscience
Serotonin
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Testosterone
Oxytocin/vasopressin
Substance P
Psychophysiology of VABs
Heart rate and skin conductance: Autonomic arousal and reactivity
Startle reflex: Threat sensitivity
Facial electromyography (EMG)
Future directions
Conclusions
References
Chapter 10 Guns, genes, and crime
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Establishing the evolutionary and genetic influences on human aggression
Understanding gun violence from a biosocial perspective
Conclusions
References
Chapter 11 Psychopathy and violence
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
A primer on psychopathy
Psychopathy and violence
Assault
Intimate partner violence
Sexual violence
Violent recidivism
Homicide
Gun violence
Mass shootings
Summary
Recommendations for future investigation
References
Chapter 12 Contagious effects of gun violence in the media: A social-cognitive perspective
Abstract
Keywords
Exposure to fictional violence and gun violence in the media
Media exposure to fictional violence and aggressive behavior
Media exposure to fictional gun violence and actual firearm behavior
Media coverage of real-life gun violence
The media contagion effect
Media contagion and suicides
Media contagion and mass shootings
A social-cognitive model of the contagion of violence
Directions for future research and prevention
References
Chapter 13 A social-ecological model to understand gun violence
Abstract
Keywords
A social-ecological model to understand intentional gun-related injuries
Overview of research on intentional gun injuries using a social-ecological framework
Cultural factors in intentional gun-related injuries
Chronosystemic factors in intentional gun-related injuries
Macrosystemic factors in intentional gun-related injuries
Microsystemic factors in intentional gun-related injuries
Individual factors in intentional gun-related injuries
Interactions within and between systems
Theoretical explanations of interactions that predict outcomes
Precipitating situations—From risk to occurrence
Conclusions and future directions
References
Section C: Violence prevention and intervention
Chapter 14 Healthcare-based firearm injury prevention
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Screening for firearm injury risk in healthcare-settings
Overview of screening approaches
Screening for firearm access and availability
Screening for interpersonal violence and firearm violence risk among youth
Screening for intimate partner violence and partner firearm homicide risk
Future directions for firearm violence screening tools
Healthcare interventions for reducing firearm injury risk
Overview of intervention approaches
Secure firearm storage counseling
Interpersonal firearm violence counseling for at-risk youth populations
Intimate partner firearm violence counseling interventions
Conclusions
References
Chapter 15 Firearm suicide prevention
Abstract
Keywords
Disclosures
Conflicts of interest
Background/epidemiology
A primer on the epidemiology of firearm suicide
Cross-national comparisons
Theory
Lethal means safety
Targeted interventions
Population
Message
Messenger
Examples
Universal interventions
Population
Message
Messenger
Examples
Challenges
Special populations
Military personnel
Veterans
Individuals with PTSD
Summary
References
Chapter 16 Technical assistance as a tool to enhance the dissemination and implementation of firearm violence prevention and intervention strategies
Abstract
Keywords
Funding
TA for HVIPs: An example
Implementation science models and frameworks
Preparing for TA delivery and implementation
Understanding needs, capacity, and readiness
Developing a plan for TA
Implementation of TA
Evaluating TA
Fidelity and flexibility
Dosage
Quality monitoring and improvement of TA
Sustaining TA-facilitated change
Conclusion
References
Chapter 17 Community-based approaches to prevent firearm violence
Abstract
Keywords
A focus on urban economically marginalized communities
Structure of the current chapter
Approaches to center community voice in selecting strategies for firearm violence prevention
Intervention approaches addressing community-based violence
Interventions addressing structural issues related to community violence
Modification of the social and physical environment
Community violence interventions (CVIs)
Cure violence (CV)
The Advance Peace model
Conclusion
References
Chapter 18 Place-based approaches to firearm violence prevention
Abstract
Keywords
Green infrastructure
Greening and vacant lot reuse and remediation
Tree canopy/vegetation
Park access and quality
Building and housing infrastructure
Vacant building remediation
Demolitions
Public housing changes
Commercial infrastructure
Alcohol establishments
Food establishments and access
Business improvement districts
Situational infrastructure
Street lighting
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance cameras
Transportation infrastructure
Public transportation
Street patterns and connectivity
Education and healthcare infrastructure
Educational infrastructure
Healthcare infrastructure
Social infrastructure
Conclusion
References
Chapter 19 Psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents with conduct problems
Abstract
Keywords
Overview of psychosocial interventions
Family-based interventions
Multicomponent interventions
Interventions for callous-unemotional traits and psychopathy
Testing logic models of psychosocial interventions
Mediation
Moderation
Advancing treatment effects via personalization
Recommendations for addressing gun violence
References
Chapter 20 Prison-based interventions for violence
Abstract
Keywords
Prison-based interventions for violence
What works for crime and violence? An RNR overview
Integrating violence risk assessment and treatment: Measures and approaches
Forensic assessment measures used in violence risk appraisals
Linking violence risk assessment to prison-based violence interventions
Common features and classification of violence intervention programs
A review of prison-based violence intervention programs and evidence for effectiveness
Violence reduction program
New Zealand’s high-risk specialized treatment units
Violence prevention program
New South Wales (NSW) Australia’s VOTP
UK’s OPD pathways program
Efficacy of violence intervention programs: Results from meta-analysis
Future directions to address gun violence
Conclusions
References
Chapter 21 Gun violence and its influence on school safety and security
Abstract
Keywords
Current trends and characteristics of gun violence in schools
Introduction
The alarming rise of firearm-related incidents in schools
Data dilemma: Bridging the gap in school gun violence information
Understanding the broad Spectrum of gun violence in American schools
Characteristics of school shootings
State-level policy and laws
Secure firearm storage and child access prevention laws
Minimum age to purchase guns
Extreme risk laws
Ghost guns
Smart guns
Prevention and intervention to address gun violence in schools
Social emotional learning and school climate
Shifting perspective from school shooter profile to a threat assessment model
The development of threat assessment models for school violence prevention
Components of a threat assessment model
Benefits of a threat assessment team
School safety response
Theoretical approaches: Public health models and rational actor theories
School resource officers and security staff
Arming teachers
Summary
Conclusion and moving forward
References
Chapter 22 Hunting safety
Abstract
Keywords
Acknowledgments
Epidemiology of hunting injuries
Risk factors for hunting injuries
Errors in handling firearms
Psychosocial and contextual issues
Risks outside of firearms
Hunting injury prevention
Conclusions
References
Chapter 23 Enhancing the translation of violence prevention efforts and research in politically charged policy environments
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Approach
Five recommendations to improve the use of research evidence
Building relationships
Responding to problems
Offering ideas and results
Narratives
Providing evidence
Conclusions
References
Section D: Forensic psychology
Chapter 24 Firearm violence and individuals with serious mental illnesses
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Prevalence of mental illness
Victimization of people with serious mental illness
Violence toward self—Suicide
Violence toward others
Rates of violence toward others
Notable studies of violence and SMI
Targets of violence committed by people with serious mental illness
Firearm violence
Stigma
Firearm violence to mental health stigma
Impacts of stigma
Recommendations on firearm violence for people with severe mental illnesses
ERPOs
Conclusions
References
Chapter 25 Offender profiling and gun crime
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Historical development
Approaches to offender profiling
Criminal investigation analysis
Crime action profiling
Investigative psychology
The development of offender profiling
Evidence on accuracy of current practice
Application of offender profiling to gun violence
Conclusions
References
Chapter 26 Mass shootings
Abstract
Keywords
Definitional dilemma
Mass shootings
Mass killings
Mass public shootings
Active shooter incidents
Counting mass shootings and reaching consensus
Media
Federal agencies
Academics
Independent organizations
Severity and contagion
Mass shootings outside the United States
Examining the shooters
Why and where are they committing mass shootings?
Pathways to violence
An alternative approach
A promising role for the public
Conclusions
References
Chapter 27 Terrorism and gun violence
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Why terrorists use firearms
Situational crime prevention and weapon selection
The use of firearms for terrorism
Frequency of terrorist attacks 2000–2020
Lethality of terror attacks 2000–2020
Preventing firearm terrorism
Impact of legislation on preventing terrorism
Legislation passed postattack
Future directions for research on terrorism and gun violence
Conclusions
References
Chapter 28 Violence risk assessment and management
Abstract
Keywords
Violence risk assessment and management: Definition and overview
Violence risk classification
The generational framework
Risk classification approaches
Risk assessment metrics
Common language five-risk level framework
Violence risk factors
Dynamic factors for general violence
Risk factors for gun violence
Violence risk assessment measures and approaches
General violence risk measures
Gun violence risk measures
Other measures commonly used to assess violence risk
Protective factors: Offsetting risk for general violence and gun violence
Assessing changes in violence risk: Dynamic violence risk assessment
Responsivity considerations in violence risk assessment
Integrating violence risk assessment and management
Conclusions and future directions
References
Section E: Criminology
Chapter 29 The gun-centric nature of gang violence
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Defining gang violence
History of gang violence
Gangs and gun violence
Differences in modern-day gang crime and violence
Case study: Gang homicides in East Los Angeles 1975–2022
Reducing gun violence by reducing gang violence
Conclusions
References
Chapter 30 Forced migration and gun violence: What do we know?
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Gun access and gun violence are on the rise
Risk and protective factors for gun violence
Refugee populations are at special risk for gun violence
Premigratory stressors
Stressors during migration and postmigration
Existing research on immigration and violent crime
Research on immigration and reporting violent crime
Considerations for prevention work with refugees
Conclusions
References
Chapter 31 Firearms trafficking and transnational crime
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Creation of international arms market after collapse of USSR
Illicit arms trade routes, regions, and actors
Actors
Programs and policies to curb firearms trafficking
Discussion and Conclusions
References
Chapter 32 A neurocriminological perspective on violence
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
What is neurocriminology?
Disciplines informing a neurocriminological perspective
Genetics and heredity
General medicine and physiology
Brain abnormalities: CNS defects, acquired injury (TBI), and cell growth abnormalities
Psychological factors
Environmental and sociocultural factors
Translational utility of neurocriminological models
Legal decision-making: Competency, insanity, and diminished responsibility
Neuroprediction: Risk assessment, future dangerousness, parole/probation, recidivism
Treatment and intervention
Summary and conclusions
References
Section F: Funding, surveillance data, and research methods
Chapter 33 Emerging research areas and contributions of NIH in firearm injury and mortality research
Abstract
Keywords
Acknowledgments
Background
Recent federal violence research efforts
Firearm injury and mortality prevention efforts across the NIH
Institute-specific firearm injury and mortality prevention efforts
Emerging gaps and opportunities for firearm injury and mortality prevention research
Integration of basic mechanisms of aggression and resiliency into intervention development
Preventing and treating firearm-related injury across the care continuum
Implementation and scale-up of community-based violence prevention programs
Unique experiences of people who are underserved by community resources
Conclusions
References
Chapter 34 Federal and foundation funding for gun violence prevention programming and research
Abstract
Keywords
Research funding
Federal funding for firearm violence research
Barriers and challenges to funding
References
Chapter 35 Public health surveillance of nonfatal firearm injuries
Abstract
Keywords
Types of firearm injuries
Fatal and nonfatal firearm injury surveillance
Description of useful data sources for monitoring nonfatal firearm injuries
National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS)
Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)
Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample
Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Emergency Department Sample
National Health Care Survey
Syndromic surveillance data on firearm injuries
Challenges in estimating the burden of nonfatal firearm injury
Other relevant data sources can provide important information on the context of firearm injuries and the populations most affected
Uniform Crime Reporting program data
Gun Violence Archive data
Conclusion
Disclaimer
References
Chapter 36 Public health surveillance of firearm injury deaths
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Background: Public health surveillance
Types of surveillance systems
Surveillance system attributes
Surveillance ethics
Federal public health surveillance of firearm deaths in the United States
CDC’s National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)
CDC’s National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS)
Summary and future directions
Appendix. Variables collected in NVDRS Web System
School-associated violent death module
Public safety officer suicide module
Disclaimer
References
Chapter 37 Applying data science to the study of gun violence
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
What is data science?
Data science and open science
Preregistration
Open data
Ethical considerations for open data
Questions that data science can answer
Data sources
Public data repositories
Public crime databases
Acquiring other data
Accessing unavailable data
Difficulties using multiple data sources
Programming languages for data science
Python and R
HTML and JavaScript
Resources for self-education
Data acquisition and analysis tools
A narrative example: West et al. (2022)
Words of caution
References
Chapter 38 Research methods: Considerations and opportunities to advance firearm injury and violence prevention
Abstract
Keywords
Logic model as a guiding framework for designing evaluation studies
What is the goal or desired outcome of the intervention?
What is the intended population?
What are the relevant risk, promotive, or protective factors targeted by the intervention?
What intervention components will be implemented to produce the desired change?
At what level is the intervention implemented?
Evaluation methods
Selecting an appropriate design
Selecting and recruiting participants
Assessing the implementation of the intervention
Selecting appropriate measures
Addressing data analysis issues
The way forward
References
Section G: Policy and politics
Chapter 39 New Zealand experience with gun violence and gun control
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Multiple streams approach to policy process
Focusing events and related constructs
Extraordinary events, disasters, and crises
Defining focusing events
Categorization of potentially focusing events
Suddenness, rarity, and harmfulness
Normal versus novel
Phases
Acts of violence as focusing events
Terrorism
Mass shootings
Operationalizing criteria for focusing events and assessing their magnitude
Necessary variables
Intensifying variables
Measuring magnitude
A framework for assessing mass shootings as focusing events in New Zealand
The history of mass homicide and gun control legislation in New Zealand
New Zealand policy context
Aramoana (1990)
Paerata (1992)
Dunedin (1994)
Raurimu (1997)
Interim gun law debates 2005–2017
Christchurch (2019)
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Chapter 40 European experience with gun violence and gun control
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction: Contexts and perspectives
Making sense of the numbers
Guns will travel
Gun numbers, regulation regimes, and public safety
Research agendas for firearms in Europe
References
Chapter 41 U.S. experience with gun violence and gun control
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Gun policy
Rationale for firearm legislation to reduce homicide and suicide
Challenges in understanding the relationships between gun policy and gun violence
Specific gun restrictions and homicide and suicide rates
Second amendment jurisprudence in flux
Social determinants, social/economic policy, and gun violence
Social determinants of gun homicide and assaults
Community-based strategies to reduce gun homicide
Social determinants, social policy, and suicide: Deaths of despair
References
Index

Nicholas D Thomson

Dr. Nicholas D. Thomson is the Director of Research at VCU Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program, Associate Professor in the Departments of Surgery and Psychology, and Forensic Research Psychologist at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Thomson’s research has been supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; including some of the first research funding dedicated to preventing gun violence among high-risk youth and adults in 25 years. Dr. Thomson is widely published in the field of forensic psychology and developmental psychopathology, with over 70 peer-reviewed publications, chapters, and a textbook on psychopathy (Understanding Psychopathy: The Biopsychosocial Perspective). Dr. Thomson serves on the editorial board for multiple leading journals, including Psychology of Violence. Dr. Thomson pioneered the development of the first virtual reality interventions aimed at promoting gun safety among adults, reducing retaliatory gun violence among youth victims of violence, and preventing youth suicide. He is an advocate for interdisciplinary research, focusing on mechanistically-informed strategies that incorporate a biopsychosocial approach to enhance both cutting-edge research and effective prevention. His expertise is recognized internationally, and he consults on strategies for preventing gun violence, violent extremism, radicalization, and family-level antisocial behavior. Dr. Thomson has received numerous awards and nominations for his research excellence and innovation, both nationally and internationally, in the fields of externalizing disorders and violence prevention.

Affiliations and expertise

Director of Research at VCU Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program, Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Surgery, and Forensic Research Psychologist at Virginia Commonwealth University, USA

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Handbook of Gun Violence

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Nicholas D Thomson