How Do Mass Shootings Affect Community Wellbeing?

Abstract

Over the past four decades, mass shootings have caused at least 1,000 deaths and 1,500 injuries in the US, but little is known about how these tragedies influence people beyond those directly affected. This study uses nationally representative data from the Gallup-Healthways survey to assess spillover effects of mass shootings on individuals’ community and emotional wellbeing. Leveraging differences in the timing of mass shootings across counties between 2008-2016, we find that these incidents reduce community and emotional wellbeing for at least three months post-shooting. Mass shootings have high societal costs and create adverse effects that extend beyond those immediately exposed.