RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 How Do Mass Shootings Affect Community Wellbeing?
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1220-11385R1
DO 10.3368/jhr.1220-11385R1
A1 Soni, Aparna
A1 Tekin, Erdal
YR 2023
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2023/06/01/jhr.1220-11385R1.abstract
AB 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.