Gun Violence Prevention

Gun violence affects society in many ways, including higher medical costs, reductions in quality of life because of fear of gun violence and stresses on the criminal justice system. The United States has the highest rate of gun-related injuries among developed countries, as well as the highest rate of gun ownership. The question before psychology is what can the science tell us about the most effective methods to reduce gun violence.

APA Information on Gun Violence Prevention

• Recommendations to Prevent Gun-Related Violence
  The American Psychological Association recommends a combination of education, training, access to mental health treatment, program funding and research to reduce the impact of gun-related violence in the United States.

• Reacting to the December 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting
  The American Psychological Association collects information and advice to help deal with the emotions and questions arising from recent mass shootings.

Research on Gun Violence

• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Gun Policy and Research 

• Curry School of Education Youth Violence Project

News

• American Psychological Association Applauds Provisions of White House Plan to Stem Gun Violence
  
  Jan. 17, 2013: American Psychological Association 

• APA’s Anderson Meets With Obama Administration Officials to Provide Input on Violence Prevention Proposals
  Jan. 10, 2013: American Psychological Association 

• Violence Against Teachers Spurs Urgent Call to Action
  Jan. 7, 2013: American Psychological Association  

• Media Advisorty: Experts Available to Talk About Psychology Related to School Shootings
  Dec. 14, 2012: American Psychological Association 

• Five Questions on the Tucson, Ariz., Shootings for Psychologist  Joel Dvoskin, PhD
  Jan. 12, 2011: American Psychological Association

• For Virginia Tech Community, Anxiety and Sadness May Increase on Anniversary of School Shootings
  April 11, 2008: American Psychological Association

Monitor on Psychology Articles

• From the CEO— Virginia Tech: What Can We Do?
  June 2007 American Psychological Association

Books

• Human Aggression and Violence: Causes, Manifestations, and Consequences
  August 2010

• Preventing Violence: Research and Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies
  December 2005

• Violence on the Job: Identifying Risks and Developing Solutions
  October 1996

• Aggression and Violence: Social Interactionist Perspectives
  March 1993

APA Offices and Programs

• Violence Prevention Office
  This area of APA’s Public Interest Directorate is responsible for disseminating research-based information on violence and injury prevention.