Mass Shootings and Mental Health: A Comparative Analysis

This assignment requires a comprehensive analysis of mass shootings in the United States, focusing on the link between mental illness and firearms policy. The student is expected to critically evaluate existing research, including studies by McGinty et al., Rocque et al., and Metzl et al., among others. A comparative analysis of different perspectives on this issue is also required, incorporating insights from various fields such as psychology, sociology, and public health. The assignment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between mental illness, mass shootings, and firearms policy in the US.

Running head: MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 1
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 1
ABSTRACT
Incidents of mass violence have continually brought mental illness and gun violence into
the national and international debate. The principal public belief is that serious mental illness is
the chief cause of gun violence in the US, and these individuals have more possibilities of
perpetrating violent crime than becoming a victim of such crime. The standpoint taken in the
thesis is that gun control policies of United States of America have a major influence on the
mental health and leads to increased number of mishaps due to lapse in the emotional state. A
literature review is carried out to support the standpoint taken. The review is divided into three
sections- background of mental health, background of gun violence and post-traumatic stress
syndrome.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 2
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................3
Overview......................................................................................................................................3
Thesis statement...........................................................................................................................4
Background of mental health.......................................................................................................4
Background of gun violence........................................................................................................6
Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome.................................................................................................7
Chapter 2: LITERATURE REVIEW..............................................................................................8
Introduction..................................................................................................................................8
Background check.......................................................................................................................9
Mental health and HIPPA..........................................................................................................10
Healthcare providers obligation to disclose...............................................................................11
Reporting about high-risk violent patient in the database.........................................................12
Chapter 3: MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY.......................................................................13
Overview....................................................................................................................................13
Study area description................................................................................................................13
Figure 1: Summary of mass shooting in the US........................................................................15
Data collection...........................................................................................................................16
Methods of data collection.........................................................................................................16
Analysis of collected data..........................................................................................................17

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 3
RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................................................................20
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................21
Recommendation:......................................................................................................................24
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................26
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
Overview
The issue of mass shootings and overall gun violence in the United States of America is
to be addressed on an immediate basis, as opined by a number of scholars in the country. Events
of mass violence have repeatedly brought mental illness and gun violence into the national and

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 4
international discussion. The reason behind gun violence has often been linked to mental illness,
a concern that raises challenges in setting up national policies. Media coverage and events
reinforce the belief that people suffering from mental illness are dangerous and violent,
especially when there is access to firearms. The primary public belief is that serious mental
illness is the prime cause of gun violence in the US, and these individuals have more chances of
perpetrating violent crime than becoming a victim of such crime. There is substantial literature to
support this belief.
Thesis statement
This paper will prove that the availability of Guns without adequate measure to safeguard
the purchase, has contributed to the increase of guns death violence and its underlying
connection to mental health and the need for background checks and gun control laws in
America.
The standpoint taken in the thesis is that gun control policies of United States of America
have a major influence on the mental health and leads to increased number of mishaps due to
lapse in the emotional state. The gun control should be enforced as a mitigating measure to stop
such crimes. The present paper draws on evidence to prove the fact that availability of guns
without adequate measure for safeguarding the purchase has been the key reason behind the
increase of gun death violence in America. The underlying connection to mental health and the
requirement for background checks and gun control laws in the country are also included the
paper.
Background of mental health
Barry et al., (2013) highlighted the connection between mental illness and gun violence
citing some real-life examples. The four events of gun violence cited in the paper shared two

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 5
common features. Firstly, all the four shooters were suffering from mental illness, and secondly,
all of them used guns with large-capacity magazines. As policymakers strive to consider options
for reducing gun violence, there has to be an understanding of the public attitudes regarding
different violence-prevention proposals, including policies that have a deep impact on the people
suffering from mental illness.
Koplewicz (2013) pointed out that in the wake of multiple tragedies occurring in the US,
the focus of lawmakers has shifted towards the issue of gun control. However, the national is
missing out the opportunity to understand the adverse results of untreated mental illness in
adolescents and children that result in gun violence. Adolescent and mental health need
particular attention as silence on this aspect is a key contributor to violence and pervasive
tragedy overall. Shame and stigma have been connected to mental illness at the primary level.
The lack of innovative treatments further adds to the high prevalence of mental illness in the
country. Schildkraut and Hernandez (2014) in this regard have stated that people have an
inclination to purchase weapons when there are criminal convictions or mental issues. There
have been millions of cases reported of diagnosed mental illness and purchase of weapons.
However, it is not possible practically to check the background of each individual every time and
continue to do so every year after purchase of a firearm. The gun control Acts must expand the
licensing requirements for the prohibition of sales to people who are mentally incompetent.
Appelbaum and Swanson (2010) highlighted that when a person with mental illness
engages in a crime of violence, more precisely that with a firearm, the focus is on the restriction
of gun access and not on legislation for a mental disorder. People who take part in such crime are
often in need of psychiatric treatment but avoid accessing services due to fear. This is of prime
importance since shooting sports is a part of lives of people in the US, and people do not access

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 6
services for fear of losing the right to have firearms. Moreover, stereotypes reinforce people with
the certain mental condition as dangerous and mentally defective. Since people with mental
illness internalize the undesirable and negative perceptions of others, their inclination to cause
harm to others is inflicted. The negative stereotypes lead to social avoidance and poor self-
esteem, becoming a cause of harm to others.
Background of gun violence
Kangas and Calvert (2014) highlighted that the United States is one of the most noted
countries in the world for high rate of firearm ownership and firearm-related suicide, homicide,
and unintentional death. The National Survey of the Private Ownership of Firearms has reported
that American Adults own approximately 192 million working firearms. This implies an average
of one firearm per adult. Though there has been a decline in the rate of gun-related injuries since
the year 1993, the same remains a major cause of premature death and injury at present. Almost
4.5 million new firearms are sold every year in the country. The total number of firearm
transactions can reach up to 9.5 million per year, and half of these are unregulated. This is
noteworthy since the laws set in place for influencing firearms do not influence half of the annual
transactions.
According to Goss (2015), the US has an increased number of gun violence than any
other advanced industrial democratic country of the world like UK, Canada, and Australia. While
these nations have given a satisfactory response to mass shootings as evident by the dramatic
strengthening of gun laws, the US has moved in a slow manner. The American gun laws have
always been criticised to be far weaker than those of other parts of the world. At present, the
firearm laws are weaker than those prevalent in the country in the past. Gun laws are to be made
stronger since the present political environment is highly polarised.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 7
In recent years, the frequent mass shootings in the US has become the cause of open
dialogue regarding mental illness and gun violence (McGinty et al., 2014). The two of the most
noted ones were that at Virginia Tech and that in Tuscan. In addition, the shooting at Connecticut
2012 also highlighted the importance of controlling gun violence.
Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome
Slovac (2002) studied the factors underpinning gun violence and trauma experienced by
children after exposure. Males were reported to have more exposure to gun violence than women
in the US. Further, children in rural communities have more access to guns due to parental
influence. The study illustrated that exposure to gun violence places adolescents and youth ar
risk of physical harm as well as poor mental health. Gun violence is responsible for
psychological havoc for the young population. Exposure to violence as victim contributes to
trauma in a stronger manner than a witness to violence. In this regard, it was mentioned that
gender was a major variable for prediction of trauma as girls suffer more trauma than boys.
Nardi (2015) highlighted the impact of violence exposure on the individual, stating that
the consequences of exposure to violence on child development are rooted in reality. The author
pointed out that youth and children who are exposed to chronic trauma experiences inhibited
brain development which has a long-lasting impact on life outcomes. Due to such an exposure,
the individuals suffer skill deficits and lead to high rate of crime in later life. Children experience
issues with aggression and violence as they do not possess nonviolent skills for conflict-
resolution. Children to violence face immense stress, and struggle to control their emotions.
Wolpert and Gimpel (1998) had studied the public attitude towards gun control and impact of
gun violence. The public attitude towards the impact of gun violence is mostly negative, with
minimal support provided to those who have undergone or witnessed violence. Price et al.,

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 8
(2002) had stated in this regard that until exposure to violence is completely eliminated, the
growth of mental health issues is likely to grow. Since there is the dramatic growth of incidence
of post-traumatic disorder due to gun violence, service providers need to actively educate the
public on this aspect.
Chapter 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
Gun-related violence refers to violence that is committed by using a firearm such as, a
gun. Gun violence is not considered as a criminal offense in certain instances. Criminal violence
cases are registered that include homicide, assault using some deadly weapon, and attempted
suicide, depending on the jurisdiction of the concerned state (Hemenway & Miller, 2013). Non-
criminal violence often includes unintentional or accidental injury, thereby leading to death
(except in specific cases of criminal negligence). This assignment will focus on the ways that
have been identified by relevant literature, as effective methods of preventing gun violence.
Price, Dake, and Thompson (2002) stated that morbidity and mortality due to firearms
place a huge burden on the society and the healthcare enterprises that operate within it. It
illustrated the findings of recent research that demonstrated the effectiveness of strong public
support and strategies for regulating the use of firearms. Furthermore, the study emphasized on
the fact that approximately 200 million firearms are owned by 25% adults in the United States.
The primary objective of the study was based on evaluating factors that are associated with the
voting behavior of the Congress on legislation related to firearm control. The results indicated
that members of the US Congress received huge donations from groups that were related with
firearm legislation. The results, therefore, established a strong correlation between positions of a

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 9
Congressional member on firearm legislation with the amount of money donated. Furthermore, it
stated that people receiving gun fund rights were at an increased likelihood of voting pro-gun
rights. Thus, reducing the donation amount will help in lowering opinion that favors gun rights,
thereby creating a significant impact on gun violence rates.
Wolpert and Gimpel (1998) conducted a study that examined attitudes of the public
towards gun control with the aim of determining distinctive policy preferences exhibited by gun
owners. Demographic, symbolic and self-interest factors were thought to be instrumental in the
attainment of individual goals. Crime victims and gun owners were identified as major
individuals having a personal stake in this issue. Furthermore, the research also stated that people
have victimized by crime are most susceptible to gaining benefits from gun control legislation. It
emphasized on the fact that gun owners most often display their personal stake in restrictions on
gun usage. On examining the different contributing factors, the results indicated failure of self-
interest in influencing policy attitudes. Furthermore, it identified gun control as policies that
make it easier for gun owners to place the responsibility of their safety and wellbeing on the
government. Moreover, the results also suggested that failure of gun control legislation to
polarize public on the basis of ideological grounds makes self-control effective. Thus, self-
control can work effectively in reducing gun violence.
Background check
Appelbaum and Swanson (2010) conducted a study that provided evidence for
implementation of stringent restrictions were reinforced on use of firearms with the
implementation of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Furthermore, this study also recognized initiatives taken by individual states in the form of
databases that resulted in the implementation of restrictions on access to firearms.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 10
Goss (2015) documented essential exceptions to the conventional wisdom that focus on
the fact that most politicians fail to demonstrate behavior related to tightening gun laws. It
emphasized on the role of background check systems that licensed gun sellers to use firearms
without any difficulty while transferring them to private individuals. It illustrated the role of
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Improvement Amendments Act
(2007) in bringing about reforms in gun rights.
Public support for preventing widespread gun usage by individuals was demonstrated by
another study that identified the need of background check for gun dealers, thereby reducing and
banning the use of semiautomatic weapons (Barry et al., 2013).
Mental health and HIPPA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) refer to a federal law
protecting the privacy of individual health-related information. A study identified mentally ill
people at an increased susceptibility of developing the risk of violence. Furthermore, disorders
such as depression were found to increase suicidal ideations that directly contribute to more than
50% gun deaths in the USA (McGinty et al., 2014).
Appelbaum & Swanson (2010) that established a correlation between mental illness and
gun ownership reported similar findings. It identified the effectiveness of Gun Control Act
(1968) and Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act that helped in banning purchase and
possession of firearms by individuals adjudicated as mentally ill.
Correlation between mental health and such gun violence were identified by another
study that recognized three events responsible for the problem, namely, the stigma associated
with mental disorders, institutional barriers in limiting healthcare access and lack of evidence-
based treatments. The study focused on the fact that there are inadequate treatment facilities

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 11
available for psychiatric illness, which worsens the symptoms and increases risk if resorting to
violence (Koplewicz, 2013).
Similar findings were supported by surveys conducted by another study that suggested
the majority of Americans support the spending of government funds on mental treatment for
reducing gun violence. Thus, the study established the need of carefully implementing effective
gun violence elimination strategies without discouraging mental health treatment or exacerbating
associated stigma (Barry et al., 2013).
Healthcare providers obligation to disclose
According to Nardi (2015), most healthcare providers stay at an increased risk of
becoming paralyzed, numb, and hesitant, of the way by which they can differentiate between the
safety of an individual and violating their rights of keeping arms. This phenomenon, commonly
called the ‘bystander effect’ refers to a demonstration of numbness towards violence. Incidents
involving mass shootings have begun to be accepted as an act of nature that cannot be prevented
or eliminated. The study emphasized on several factors that can be incorporated into general
practice by healthcare professionals. Some of the most common strategies that were recognized
as effective include learning lethal means counseling, developing comprehensive collaboration
and partnership with other providers, schools, churches, hospitals, criminal justice system and
gun owners for formulating problem-solving strategies that will help in reducing access to such
lethal objects. In addition, the study also identified the importance of educating parents on
preventing isolative behavior among children. It further illustrated the importance of building
financial incentives for gun manufacturers on following adequate safety measures.
Role of mental health providers working in pediatric settings in educating families on gun
safety was illustrated by another study. It suggested that these providers can influence the youth

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 12
in abstaining from involvement in gun violence. Most providers view gun violence as a major
public threat. However, they most often feel hesitant to discuss issues on gun safety with their
patients. (Williamson, Guerra & Tynan, 2014).
Reporting about high-risk violent patient in the database
Findings demonstrated by another study suggested an increase in stigmatizing attitude
towards mentally ill patients on the use of the lunatic database. These databases stigmatize
people with mental illness by dehumanizing them, compromising their privacy, and threatening
their confidentiality (Gold, 2013).
The inclusion of mental health background check information in databases is debatable.
Several studies have been carried out that investigated effects of such inclusion in treating mental
illness and preventing gun violence. The study suggested that such databases could be
detrimental to the mentally ill people by reinforcing stigmatizing attitudes towards them by
several members of the society. It also stated that such databases would hinder people from
seeking treatment (Kangas & Calvert, 2014).
Furthermore, findings from another study also suggested that although majority of people
suffering from serious mental illnesses have been found to be least violent, maintaining their
information in database and disclosing it for the purpose of reducing violence results in
development of a negative attitude, thereby stigmatizing the patients (Swanson et al., 2015).
To conclude, it can be suggested that parental supervision, treatment of violent patients
with social withdrawal symptoms, reducing firearm donations and imposing appropriate
legislation will be able to lower rates of gun violence.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 13
Chapter 3: MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY
Overview
Mass shooting refers incidents that involve several victims, who have been affected by
firearm-related violent acts. In other words, public mass shooting is defined as an incident that
involves indiscriminate selection of four or more individuals, who are injured or killed,
excluding the perpetrator (Follman, Aronsen & Pan, 2012). The USA has maximum incidents of
mass shooting every year, higher than any other nation. This chapter will discuss the data and
statistics related to mass shootings in the US.
Study area description
The United States of America (USA/US) is a federal republic that is composed of 50
different staters, 5 self-governing territories, and other possessions. Mass shootings in the US
have been a major concern for sociologists, psychologists, public health matter experts,
government officials and policymakers. Owing to 33.4% of the total world wealth, the US
accounts for the largest proportion of global health that is concentrated in one particular country,
on a global scale. The government is regarded as the oldest surviving federation in the world and
principally focuses on protection of minority rights (Brownlee, 2016).
The US constitution acts as the supreme legal document of the country. Furthermore, the
citizens are generally subjected to three government levels, namely, local, state, and federal.
While the duties of the local government are split between municipalities and counties, the
federal focus on three different branches, such as the judicial, executive and the legislative
(Young, 2015). Mass shootings in the US can be attributed to an increase in terrorism as well.
Recent trends suggest that several mass shooting incidents in the country have been caused due

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 14
to Islamic extremism, black supremacy, Palestinian militancy, white supremacy and left wing or
anti-government extremism (Fox & DeLateur, 2014).
Data reports from the government registers that contain records of the history of mass
shooting incidents in the US have supported findings from peer-reviewed articles that suggest
that individuals suffering from mental illness that interfere with daily life activities have been
found at an increased likelihood of committing violent acts such as, mass shootings (Metzl &
MacLeish, 2015). This correlation is further established by the fact that there are several laws
related to gun violence and databases that contain information of mentally disabled individuals,
in order to reduce risks of the mass shooting in the districts (Rosenberg, 2014). History of a mass
shooting, in the US, hint at long-held grievances, against the government, or policy makers, of
the country (Killias, Van Kesteren & Rindlisbacher, 2001). Mass shootings began gaining the
attention of the media since the last two or three decades and resulted in the formation of endless
speculation among the public regarding the motive behind such violent acts. This triggered
political debates on firearm regulations (McGinty et al., 2014).

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 15
Figure 1: Summary of mass shooting in the US
Figure 1- Summary of mass shootings in the US
Source- (Rocque & Duwe, 2018)

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 16
Data collection
Data regarding the history and rates of the mass shooting in the US were collected from s
research evidence, news reports, government websites and databases that contained information
in the form of a tracker on mass shootings and murders in the nation. The Mass Shooting Tracker
is one such source that provided exhaustive information on the occurrence of mass shootings in
the US, in the form of single violence outbursts that resulted in the injury of death or more than
four people (Massshootingtracker.org, 2018). Furthermore, a huge amount of information related
to mass shootings have also been extracted from the Everytown for Gun Safety, the primary aim
of which is to enhance public understanding on the underlying causes that contribute to gun
violence. The organization’s website helped in providing details of all school shootings that took
place in the US since 2013 (EverytownResearch.org, 2018).
Methods of data collection
The procedure was based on secondary data collection. Common sources that helped in
the data collection included organizational records, surveys, censuses and research articles.
Following this method for collecting information on the rates of mass shootings in the US helped
in saving time and facilitated access to government databases that were feasible for use. In
addition, the method was also selected for the purpose of data collection due to the fact that it
provides extensive information on the background work that had been conducted in this context.
Reports from newspapers and government organizations established reliability and validity of the
collected information.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 17
Analysis of collected data
Figure 2- Mass shootings in 2018
Source- (Massshootingtracker.org, 2018)
An analysis of the collected data state that there has been a three times increase in the
rates of public mass shootings in the US, since the year 2011. Reports indicate the occurrence of
one mass shooting incident, every 200 days, during the time 1982-2011. However, recent
government reports indicate acceleration in the rates, with such incidents occurring after every
64 days in the country (Blair & Schweit, 2014).
The substantial increase in its frequency is confirmed by all the databases and
organizations, with the maximum incidents being reported from schools. The reports indicate an
average of 300 school shootings since 2013. The first incident related to school shooting
occurred in the 18th century. Commonly referred to as the Enoch Brown school massacre, the
schoolmaster and 9 students were shot by American Indians (Rocque & Duwe, 2018). The ever-
increasing rates of school shootings create significant impacts on the lives of school students and
the entire community.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 18
Figure 3- School deaths and injuries by shooting in the US by decade
Source- (Krouse & Richardson, 2015)
An analysis of the reports also suggests that these violent crimes led to 124 non-fatal
gunshots and 59 deaths. Most of these incidents involved the discharge of firearms inside the
school campus or premises (Lankford, 2013). While more than 80 shootings took place in K-12
schools, 79 occurred in colleges and universities and resulted in severe injuries and death of the
victims. In most of the incidents, the perpetrator was found to have easy access to firearms at
home (Follman, Aronsen & Pan, 2012). Further analysis suggests that majority of the school
shootings affect innocent high school students. These can be attributed to the unsecured carrying
of firearms to schools (Bushman et al., 2016). It can further be stated that majority of such
violent acts occur in Texas, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, New York, Washington, Virginia,
Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. The most recent incident occurred on February 14, 2018, at the
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which resulted in the death of 17

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 19
people. The perpetrator was identified as a former student of the school
(EverytownResearch.org, 2018).
Figure 4- 291 school shootings since 2013
Source-(EverytownResearch.org, 2018)
Further data analysis also indicates that more than 48 people have been injured due to
mass shootings in the month of January 2018, with approximately 100 getting injured. The
reports also provide evidence for the fact that there have been an approximate 398 mass shooting
incidents since 2010, resulting in death and injuries (Massshootingtracker.org, 2018). Although
the rates were lower during the early 1900s, the sudden increase in the rates can be attributed to
the expiry of the ban on assault weapons, in 2005. Clinton signed the ban on the use of assault
weapons in 1994. This can be correlated with 4 and 8 death victims, in the year 1994 and 1997,
respectively (Ehrenfreund, 2018). However, no efforts were taken by the government to renew it.
This resulted in the drastic elevation in rates of public shootings. Furthermore, data reports also
suggest that 112 and 71 people were killed in 2017 and 216, respectively (Krouse & Richardson,
2015). Thus, it can be stated that although mass shootings have a long history in the US, gun
violence has shown a significant increase in recent years.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 20
RECOMMENDATIONS
Although most government officials and policymakers blame poor mental health as the
potential cause of the increased public shooting events, the vast majority of such incidents are
not attributable to mental disorders. The real problem can be correlated to easy access to lethal
assault weapons, such as, firearms that result in mass shootings. The lasting impact and severity
of wounds and disabilities of the victims result in devastating consequences. Thus, there is a
need to formulate appropriate laws and legislation that will bring about a restriction in the use of
guns (Reich, Culross & Behrman, 2002). In the wake of public shootings, a permanent spike in
stricter gun laws is required. continued legislative indifference, and blame-game results in a shift
of focus (Krouse & Richardson, 2015). Thus, advocating accurate gun control strategies is the
need of the hour. Around 47% Americans consider owning a gun as their fundamental right. It
often implies a sense of freedom for the residents, which is later on used unethically by the
perpetrators (Jacobs, 2015). Therefore, the government should bring about changes in the
existing policies that would make it difficult for individuals legally possess guns. This will create
significant impacts on rates of mass shootings.
Furthermore, there is also a need to conduct surveys and opinion polls to understand the
perceptions of the public in this context. It will create provisions for building public support.
Increasing the background check on the use of guns will also bring about a limitation in private
gun sales. While previous reports suggest people suffering from mental illness have often
conducted mass shootings, the government should immediately debunk the myth that it is the
primary cause of these incidents. The existing federal laws only restrict buying of guns under
criteria related to domestic-violence misdemeanors, felony convictions, and a dishonorable
discharge, there is a need to put stringent control on the widespread selling of guns, to combat

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 21
gun violence. Thus, it can be concluded that in addition to confronting mental illness, a systemic
approach focused on strict laws, should be adopted by the government to reduce the rates of
public shootings.
CONCLUSION
The urgency of solving the problem of gun control has become an issue of paramount
importance in case of the United States. In the wake of the recent killings and the incessant gun
attacks which have happened across United States, gun control has become the need of the hour.
No other country comes close to United States in terms of gun violence (Kangas & Calvert,
2014). Mental health is another which has come to the limelight. The innate connection between
gun violence and mental sanity has long been debated. Recently due to the increased rate of
attacks of gun violence, the correlation between gun violence and mental sanity has become a
raring issue. This paper tends to focus on the issues of mental health and gun control in the
United States of America and a conclusion regarding the same.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 22
Gun violence refers to the various kinds of violence which are committed by the use of firearms
such as guns. It is the leading cause of deaths in the US.
The causes of gun violence in the US are due to various reasons. These mass shootings
are going to happen again and again as a cycle is followed here. Mass shootings, media uproar,
marches and prayer meetings, debates but nothing could budge the Congress and in each attack
this pattern follows.
According to Goss (2015), United States is the biggest perpetrator in terms of gun
violence amongst all the developed nations and also it carries the most amounts of guns from all
other developed countries of the world. US reports the highest number of gun related deaths
every year. Here gun deaths take place majorly in three ways; suicides, accidents, mass shootings
and homicides (Hemenway & Miller, 2013). Mass shootings and suicides form the majority of
these killings. US rank the highest in case of gun related deaths each year and only Israel is
behind it in this regard. The National Survey of the Private Ownership of Firearms has stated the
fact that Adults in US own approximately 192 million guns which are in proper working
condition (Statistics behind US violence, 2018). This tells an average of one gun per adult. Guns
remain a major contributor of premature deaths and injuries to this country till date.
Approximately 4.5 million new guns are sold every year in the US. The aggregate amount of gun
sales can reach a staggering 9.5 million a year which is genuinely a grave concern for the country
and more alarming is the fact that almost half of them are unregulated.
Mental health and sanity is one of the most important traits of human development.
Recent studies have suggested that there exists a close connection between mental illness and
gun violence. Adolescent is a tender age and exposure to significant amount of violence at this

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 23
age results in devastating consequences for these children in the future (Slovac, 2002). Mental
well being needs special attention in this regard. Failure to address this is a significant
contributor to gun violence and other firearm related tragedies. Social stigma and shame also
results in mental illness which can lead to gun and other related deaths and tragedies (Nardi,
2015). There are other experts who vouch for the fact that there is very little connection between
gun violence and mental illness. Politicians including Republicans and Democrats have blamed
mental illness of perpetrators for these ghastly crimes for a very long time.. Proper ways of
solving the issue of mental illness to counter gun violence is still underway, research experts
have suggested that removal of family, and peer stigma should be done at the basic level. This
can provide a substantial solution to this mess created by gun violence.
The debates of gun violence and mental sanity have always been brought in the wake of
mass shootings and other serious gun tragedy cases in both the national and international arena.
Constant media scrutiny reinforces the connection between mental insanity and gun violence and
this lingering debate prevents Congress from passing a concrete law in this regard. It has been
proven by several studies that there exists a strong connection between mental illness and gun
violence. According to Rocque (2018), people having mental disorders and illness carried out at
least 59% of the 185 public mass shootings that happened in the US from the year 1900 to 2017.
Connection between mental sanity and such gun violence were identified by another
study that identified three major issues responsible for the problem, namely, the stigma
associated with mental illness, institutional barriers in limiting healthcare access and lack of
evidence-based treatments. This also brings out a major fact that due to the shame and social
stigma associated with mentally ill people, coupled with the lack of treatment form quality
hospitals and doctors puts these patients into serious risk of undertaking gun and other kind of

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 24
violence. Moreover the issue of providing the mental illness information into databases also
leads to social stigmas and prevents these patients from seeking treatment.
Recommendation:
The need of the hour is the prevention of further gun violence and mass shootings in the
US. The various ways it can happen are:
 Background checks: Application of stringent background checks and introduction of
various other tests in this regard. Various security checks and mental sanity checks
should be examined before purchase of firearms.
 Effective laws: Effective laws should be implemented at the earliest. As stated in the
report, a study had revealed that the US Congress had received huge sums of donations
from firearm legislators. Moreover, permanent spike in stricter laws is necessary.
Reducing of such donations will help in lowering of pro gun laws and stricter brought in
not only on a national scale but also in both the local and as well as the state level will
help a long way in curbing this gun menace. The existing federal laws only restrict
buying of guns under criteria related to domestic-violence cases, felony convictions, and
adishonorable discharge; there is a need to put stringent control on the widespread selling
of guns, to combat gun violence.
 Self control: The Wolpert and Gimpel report of 1998 has stated a study that examined
attitudes of the public towards gun control with the aim of determining different policy
preferences exhibited by gun owners. Demographic, symbolic and self-interest factors
were thought to be instrumental in the attainment of individual goals. Crime victims and
gun owners were identified as major individuals having a personal stake in this issue. The
study emphasized on the fact that gun owners most often display their personal stake in

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 25
restrictions on gun usage. On examination, the results indicated failure of self-interest in
influencing policy attitudes. Furthermore, it identified gun control as policies that make it
easier for gun owners to place the responsibility of their safety and wellbeing on the
government. Moreover, the results also showed that failure of gun control legislation to
polarize public on the basis of ideological grounds makes self-control very effective.
Thus, self-control can work effectively in reducing gun violence
 Treatment of mentally ill patients: A study has revealed that mentally ill people are at
an increased susceptibility of developing the risk of violence. Moreover, disorders such
as depression were found to increase suicidal tendencies that directly contribute to more
than 50% gun deaths in the USA. In such a serious scenario, treatment of mentally ill
patients has become very important. The sale of guns to these patients should also be
banned.
 Expansion of treatment facilities: Connection of mental health and gun violence was
identified by another study that recognized three events responsible for the problem
namely, the stigma associated with mental disorders, institutional barriers in limiting
healthcare access and lack of evidence-based treatments. The study also revealed that
there are inadequate treatment facilities available for psychiatric illness, which worsens
the symptoms and increases the risk associated with gun violence.
 Conducting surveys and research: There is also a need to conduct surveys and opinion
polls to understand the perceptions of the public in the context of gun control because
still 47% Americans believe that carrying arms is their fundamental right. Consequently,
it is also used unethically (Jacobs, 2015). Therefore, such research and surveys will create
provisions for building public confidence and support.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 26
REFERENCES
Appelbaum, P., & Swanson, J. (2010). Law & Psychiatry: Gun Laws and Mental Illness: How
Sensible Are the Current Restrictions?. Psychiatric Services, 61(7).
http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.61.7.652
Barry, C. L., McGinty, E. E., Vernick, J. S., & Webster, D. W. (2013). After Newtown—public
opinion on gun policy and mental illness. New England journal of medicine, 368(12),
1077-1081.
Blair, J.P., & Schweit, K.W. (2014). A Study of Active Shooter Incidents, 2000–2013. Retrieved
from- https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/active-shooter-study-2000-2013-1.pdf
Brownlee, W. E. (2016). Federal Taxation in America. Cambridge University Press, 23-57.
Bushman, B. J., Newman, K., Calvert, S. L., Downey, G., Dredze, M., Gottfredson, M., ... &
Romer, D. (2016). Youth violence: What we know and what we need to know. American
Psychologist, 71(1), 17.
Ehrenfreund, M. (2018). We’ve had a massive decline in gun violence in the United States.
Here’s why.. Washington Post. Retrieved 24 February 2018, from
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/12/03/weve-had-a-massive-
decline-in-gun-violence-in-the-united-states-heres-why/?utm_term=.c0d37e49b5cd
EverytownResearch.org. (2018). The long, shameful list of school shootings in America.
Retrieved 24 February 2018, from https://everytownresearch.org/school-shootings/
Follman, M., Aronsen, G., & Pan, D. (2012). A guide to mass shootings in America. Mother
Jones, 15, 119.
Fox, J. A., & DeLateur, M. J. (2014). Mass shootings in America: moving beyond
Newtown. Homicide Studies, 18(1), 125-145.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 27
Goss, K. A. (2015). Defying the odds on gun regulation: The passage of bipartisan mental health
laws across the states. American journal of Orthopsychiatry, 85(3), 203.
Hemenway, D., & Miller, M. (2013). Public health approach to the prevention of gun violence. N
Engl J Med, 368(21), 2033-2035.
Jacobs, J. B. (2015). Why Ban Assault Weapons. Cardozo L. Rev., 37, 681.
Kangas, J. L., & Calvert, J. D. (2014). Ethical issues in mental health background checks for
firearm ownership. Professional psychology: research and practice, 45(1), 76.
Killias, M., Van Kesteren, J., & Rindlisbacher, M. (2001). Guns, violent crime, and suicide in 21
countries. Canadian J. Criminology, 43, 429.
Koplewicz, H. S. (2013). Call to action. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology 23
(1). DOI: 10.1089/cap.2013.2315
Krouse, W.J., & Richardson, D.J. (2015). Mass Murder with Firearms: Incidents and Victims,
1999-2013. Retrieved from- https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44126.pdf
Lankford, A. (2013). A comparative analysis of suicide terrorists and rampage, workplace, and
school shooters in the United States from 1990 to 2010. Homicide Studies, 17(3), 255-
274.
Massshootingtracker.org. (2018). Mass Shooting Tracker. Retrieved 24 February 2018, from
https://www.massshootingtracker.org/data
McGinty, E. E., Frattaroli, S., Appelbaum, P. S., Bonnie, R. J., Grilley, A., Horwitz, J., ... &
Webster, D. W. (2014). Using research evidence to reframe the policy debate around
mental illness and guns: process and recommendations. American journal of public
health, 104(11), e22-e26.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 28
McGinty, E. E., Webster, D. W., Jarlenski, M., & Barry, C. L. (2014). News media framing of
serious mental illness and gun violence in the United States, 1997-2012. American
Journal of Public Health, 104(3), 406-413.
Metzl, J. M., & MacLeish, K. T. (2015). Mental illness, mass shootings, and the politics of
American firearms. American journal of public health, 105(2), 240-249.
Nardi, D. (2015). Decreasing Risk for Mass Shootings in the United States. Journal of
psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 53(12), 3-5.
Price, J. H., Dake, J. A., & Thompson, A. J. (2002). Congressional voting behavior on firearm
control legislation: 1993–2000. Journal of community health, 27(6), 419-432.
Reich, K., Culross, P. L., & Behrman, R. E. (2002). Children, youth, and gun violence: Analysis
and recommendations. The Future of Children, 5-23.
Rocque, G. (2018). Actually, there is a clear link between mass shootings and mental
illness. latimes.com. Retrieved 15 March 2018, from
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-duwe-rocque-mass-shootings-
mental-illness-20180223-story.html
Rocque, M., & Duwe, G. (2018). Rampage shootings: a historical, empirical, and theoretical
overview. Current opinion in psychology, 19, 28-33.
Rosenberg, J. (2014). Mass shootings and mental health policy. J. Soc. & Soc. Welfare, 41, 107.
Schildkraut, J., & Hernandez, T. C. (2014). Laws that bit the bullet: A review of legislative
responses to school shootings. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 39(2), 358-374.
Slovak, K. (2002). Gun violence and children: Factors related to exposure and trauma. Health &
Social Work, 27(2), 104-112.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GUN CONTROL IN AMERICA 29
Wolpert, R. M., & Gimpel, J. G. (1998). Self-interest, symbolic politics, and public attitudes
toward gun control. Political Behavior, 20(3), 241-262.
Young, J. H. (2015). The toadstool millionaires: A social history of patent medicines in America
before federal regulation. Princeton University Press, 59-75.