Mass Murders: Implications for Mental Health Professionals

Abstract

In this article, we attempt to uncover whether mass murders (the killing of multiple victims in single events) are preventable acts, the extent to which they are contributed to by biological and psychological factors, the notion that they are inextricably linked to mental illness, the role of the media, and what lessons can be learned by mental health professionals.

The Nature of Mass Murder and Autogenic Massacre

“…These findings are supported by Aitken et al's (2008) research that showed 14 of the deadliest school attacks occurred in the last 8 years and span 8 different countries (i.e., 6 in the U.S., 2 in China, and 1 each in Canada, Britain, Japan, Yemen, Germany, and Finland-p. 265). In addition, Hempel et al (1999) identified 30 mass murders in the United States and Canada from 1949 to 1998 and found that the majority of them (21 out of 30) occurred after 1985.…”

“…Holmes and Holmes (1998) suggested that when creating a definition of mass murder, one needs to take into consideration the number of victims slain, the location of the murders, and timing of the killings. Mass murder is generally limited to incidents that took place within a 24-hour period, or single event (Aitken et al 2008;Dietz 1986;Duwe 2004;Duwe 2005). Although mass murders usually occur at one time, one also finds incidents that occur at different times, minutes or hours apart, and in different locations, as in a few blocks away, which would still fall under the mass murder umbrella (Holmes and Holmes 1998).…”

“…Similarly, Dietz (1986) noted that the number of victims slain is arbitrary, but the type of victim is important, such as a family member, co-worker, or stranger. In general, mass murder appears to have a 3 or 4 fatality criterion (Aitken et al 2008;Dietz 1986;Duwe 2004), although multiple victims may be as few as two to some investigators (Palermo 2007;Levin and Madfis 2009). Levin and Madfis (2009) have defined mass murder as the "antisocial and non-state-sponsored killing of multiple victims during a single episode at one or more closely related locations" (p. 1227).…”

“…Levin and Madfis (2009) have defined mass murder as the "antisocial and non-state-sponsored killing of multiple victims during a single episode at one or more closely related locations" (p. 1227). Similarly, Aitken et al (2008), cited the concept of "mass murder by intention," referring to those incidences where fewer than the required number of people are killed, despite a clear intention and attempt to murder more people, such as firing multiple rounds of ammunition into a crowd of people (p. 262). Mullen (2004) has also created the term autogenic massacre to refer to mass killings, those that involve individuals who kill in pursuit of personal goals emerging from their particular psychopathology.…”

Violence is Rare in Autism: When It Does Occur, Is It Sometimes Extreme?

“…First, blocked goal achievement (e.g., being expelled from school or fired from work) and second, negative social interactions (e.g., bullying by fellow students) (Ames, 2005;Duncan, 1995;Duwe, 2007;Fox & Levin, 1994;Langman, 2009;Lankford & Hakim, 2011;Levin & Madfis, 2009;Lieberman, 2006;Newman & Fox, 2009;Newman et al, 2004;O'Toole, 2000;Rugala, 2003;Vossekuil et al, 2002). Mass shooters typically isolate themselves socially, cutting themselves off from emotional support and have relatively little or no close relationships or intimate contact with others (Fox & Levin, 2003;Hempel & Richards, 1999;Aitken, Oosthuizen, Emsley, & Seedat, 2008;Mullen, 2004;Levin & Madfis, 2009;Bowers, Holmes, & Rhom, 2010). Mass shooters are frequently single or divorced (Hempel & Richards, 1999), with no family or friends that can influence their behavior in a positive way (Levin & Madfis, 2009;Bowers et al, 2010).…”