Characteristics of Schools in Which Fatal Shootings Occur

Abstract

School-based violence, and fatal school shootings in particular, have gained increased attention in the media and psychological literature. Most reports have focused on the characteristics of perpetrators, but there is a growing awareness that school-related factors may also influence the occurrence of fatal school shootings. The current study examined several key characteristics of all schools where random (38) and targeted (96) fatal shootings occurred in the United States between 1966 and 2009. These were compared with a group (138) of schools randomly selected to represent the population of all schools in the United States. The size of a school's enrollment, urban or suburban locale, public funding, and predominantly non-white enrollment were positively associated with fatal shootings. Universities and colleges were disproportionately associated with random shootings and high schools with targeted ones. It was proposed that characteristics of schools that allow feelings of anonymity or alienation among students may help create environmental conditions associated with fatal school shootings. Implications for future research and interventions are considered.

Death by homicide in National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes between 2003 and 2013

“…We found that NCAA athletes participating in higher divisions were at higher risk of homicide-related deaths. Prior studies indicate that schools with urban and suburban locations, larger enrolment, and public funding have positive association with fatal shootings 15. While D1 programmes are more likely to meet these criteria than lower division programmes, further inquiry is needed to evaluate this finding.…”

Risk factors for youth violence: Youth violence commission, International Society For Research On Aggression (ISRA)

“…In addition, just as observing violence in the home, school, and community increases the odds of aggression, so too can observing violence in the media. School characteristics. A number of studies have examined the characteristics of the school when a mass shooting takes place on school grounds (Baird, Roellke, & Zeifman, ; de Apodaca, Brighton, Perkins, Jackson, & Steege, ). Mass shootings are more likely to occur in schools with a large class size and a high student‐to‐teacher and student‐to‐counselor ratio.…”

A Behavioral Intervention Team at a Two-Year College: Responding to a Case of Suicidal Ideation

“…The recent era of mass shootings on college and university campuses has enlightened academic, legislative, and professional leaders about the pressing needs regarding the safety and health of students, faculty, and staff regardless of campus size, focus, or mission (Apodaca, Brighton, Perkins, Jackson, & Steege, 2012;Bendlin, 2013;Eells & Rockland-Miller, 2011;Heiselt & Burrell, 2012;Kennedy, 2010;Kennedy, 2015;Randazza & Cameron, 2012). The college years can correspond to the peak onset of mental health symptoms, especially considering the added pressures and stressors that relate to academic studies (Mitchell, Kader, Haggerty, Bakhai, & Warren, 2013).…”