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Research ArticleArticles

How Do Mass Shootings Affect Community Wellbeing?

Aparna Soni and Erdal Tekin
Published online before print June 06, 2023, 1220-11385R1; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.1220-11385R1
Aparna Soni
Aparna Soni is an assistant professor of public administration and policy at American University and a research affiliate at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
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Erdal Tekin
Erdal Tekin is the Charles W. Fotis, Sr. & Dorothea G. Fotis Family Distinguished Professor in the School of Public Affairs at American University, a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and a research fellow at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
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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.

Keywords:
  • Mass shootings
  • Community wellbeing
  • Mental health
JEL Classification:
  • I18
  • I31

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Journal of Human Resources: 60 (3)
Journal of Human Resources
Vol. 60, Issue 3
1 May 2025
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How Do Mass Shootings Affect Community Wellbeing?
Aparna Soni, Erdal Tekin
Journal of Human Resources Jun 2023, 1220-11385R1; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.1220-11385R1

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How Do Mass Shootings Affect Community Wellbeing?
Aparna Soni, Erdal Tekin
Journal of Human Resources Jun 2023, 1220-11385R1; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.1220-11385R1
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Keywords

  • Mass shootings
  • Community wellbeing
  • mental health
  • I18
  • I31
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