Podcast Summary
Challenging the misconception of mental illness as a significant contributor to mass shootings and mass murders: Research shows that only a small percentage of mass murders are linked to mental illness, challenging the common belief
A large database on school shootings and mass murders, compiled by researcher Dr. Raghi Gurges, found that the risk of mass shootings and psychotic illness is minimal to nonexistent. The database, which includes about 1800 instances of mass murder from 1900 to present, shows that only a small percentage of mass murders are perpetrated by individuals with psychotic disorders. The majority of mass murders are not related to mental illness. The researchers used systematic methods to compile the data, limiting it to personal cause mass murder and examining instances worldwide. This research aims to challenge the common misconception that mental illness is a significant contributor to mass shootings and mass murders.
Mass Murder and Psychosis: No Unique Relationship to Guns: Research indicates no specific link between guns and psychosis, as mass murder rates with and without firearms have increased, and women with mass murder histories are more likely to have psychotic illness.
The comparison of groups committing mass murder with and without firearms reveals a higher prevalence of psychotic illness among those who used other methods. This suggests that there is not a specific relationship between guns and psychosis. The prevalence of mass shootings per 1000000000 people has increased fourfold since 1970, while the rate of mass murder committed with methods other than firearms has doubled. These findings challenge the assumption that psychosis is linked to gun violence in particular. Additionally, research indicates that impulse control is more affected by mental illness in women, and women who perpetrate mass murder are more likely to have a history of psychotic illness. These lines of evidence support the conclusion that psychotic illness does not have a unique relationship to guns and mass shootings. The prevalence of mass shootings and mass murder without firearms remained constant between 1919 and 1970, and both rates have increased since then. This information sheds light on the complex relationship between mental illness and violence, and the importance of considering various factors when examining this issue.
Connection between mental illness and mass shootings not as strong as portrayed: Decrease in percentage of mass shooters with psychotic illness, other factors play a larger role, effective prevention strategies, disproportionate fear due to media coverage, consensus for media to avoid publishing personal info of mass shooters
While there is a connection between mental illness and mass shootings, the relationship is not as strong as often portrayed. The percentage of mass shooters with a history of psychotic illness has decreased over time, despite an increase in the overall number of mass shootings. This suggests that other factors, such as access to firearms and societal factors, may play a larger role in mass shootings. Additionally, strategies to prevent mass shootings among people with mental illness have been proven effective. However, the fear of mass shootings among young people is disproportionately high due to media coverage, which can perpetuate and reinforce fear. A consensus among experts is for media outlets to avoid publishing personal information or photographs of mass shooters to decrease both the number of mass shootings and the fear that pervades society.
Media coverage of mass shooters can glorify gun violence: Avoid reporting mass shooters' personal details to prevent inspiring copycat shootings. Many shooters are deeply narcissistic, seeking notoriety due to feelings of rejection and societal emptiness.
The media's coverage of mass shooters and their personal details can contribute to the romanticization and glorification of gun violence. This can unintentionally motivate future shooters seeking notoriety. The speaker suggests that media outlets should avoid reporting on the shooters' personal characteristics and images to prevent this effect. Additionally, the speaker notes that a significant number of mass shooters are suicidal and crave notoriety due to feelings of rejection and narcissism. The speaker defines deeply narcissistic individuals as those who have an inflated sense of self-importance, crave excessive attention, and are often empty or rejected by society. The media's focus on these individuals can inadvertently fuel their desire for notoriety and potentially inspire copycat shootings.
Mass shootings and the desire for notoriety: Young mass shooters often seek notoriety, fueled by media attention, rejection, and a distorted self-image. Experts suggest reducing media coverage and focusing on prevention and education to address root causes.
Young individuals who commit mass shootings often feel a distorted sense of self-importance and a desperate need for notoriety, which is not grounded in reality. Rejection, including romantic rejection, can contribute to this feeling of despondency. Unfortunately, the media's focus on these perpetrators after a mass shooting fuels this fascination and gives them the notoriety they crave. Experts believe that reducing media attention and stopping the publication of personal details and photographs could be a start in preventing this cycle. However, it's important to note that the majority of mass shootings are not public events and do not receive media attention. Additionally, a significant number of mass shootings are related to criminal activities. Education and cultural shifts are necessary to address the root causes of these tragic events.
Mass shootings in America have distinct motivations: About 25% of US mass shootings linked to other crimes, 50% driven by severe acute life stressors, most shooters not mentally ill but may exhibit narcissistic traits, mental illness is a health condition, not a sin or bad behavior.
Mass shootings in America have unique motivations compared to those in other countries. Approximately 25% of mass shootings in America are perpetrated in the context of other crimes, which is not common in other countries. The other 50% of mass shootings, seen worldwide including in America, are committed by individuals undergoing severe acute life stressors, such as loss of a job or relationship, and they tend to kill their family members or close acquaintances before taking their own lives. It's essential to understand that most mass shooters do not have mental illness, but they may exhibit narcissistic, fragile egos, entitlement, and fixed thoughts, which some people may confuse with mental illness. However, mental illness is not equivalent to bad behavior or sin. Mental illness is a health condition that requires understanding, education, and empathy. It's crucial to separate the stigma surrounding mental illness from the actions of individuals who commit heinous crimes.
Understanding the Complex Relationship Between Mental Health, Morality, and Human Motivation: While mental illness and religion can overlap, it's crucial to distinguish between them. Most mass shooters do not have mental health issues, and moral components often contribute to their actions.
While religious delusions and hallucinations are common in some mental illnesses, it's essential not to conflate religion with mental illness or assume a causal relationship between them. Many people, including educated individuals, struggle to distinguish between the two. When discussing mass shooters and mental illness, it's important to note that while some may have mental health issues, the majority do not. A moral component often plays a role in such violent acts. From a psychodynamic perspective, ego functions, such as anxiety management, mood stability, planning, and impulse control, are crucial in understanding human behavior. While this is just one perspective, it highlights the complexity of the relationship between mental health, morality, and human motivation.
Understanding the difference between personality and mental health: Personality and mental health are related but not the same. Mass shooters often function at lower levels of personality organization, but it doesn't mean they have a mental illness diagnosis.
While our personality and mental health are related, they are not the same thing. Our personality, as described through the psychodynamic perspective, includes different levels of organization, each with varying abilities to control impulses and maintain reality testing. Most people who commit mass shootings or perpetrate mass murder do not have mental illness, but they may function at lower levels of personality organization under extreme stress. These individuals may use less mature defense mechanisms and have poorer object relations, leading to impaired reality testing. However, it's important to note that functioning at a lower level of personality organization does not equate to a specific mental illness diagnosis. Everyone has a personality, and we all function at different levels, but mental illness is a separate issue.
Mental illness vs personality organization: Despite common belief, psychiatric medications don't significantly contribute to mass shootings and mass murders. Most perpetrators were either not taking meds or had insufficient doses.
There is a distinction between mental illness and personality organization or character structure. While we all have personalities and defense mechanisms, the psychodynamic perspective focuses on basic drives, motivations, and behavior. Contrary to some beliefs, psychiatric medications do not play a significant role in mass shootings and mass murders. Out of thousands of cases examined, only a very small percentage of perpetrators were taking therapeutic doses of psychiatric medications at the time of the event. The majority of them were either not taking medications or had subtherapeutic blood levels, meaning they were essentially untreated. The risk of violence among people with mental illness is slightly higher than the general population, but the vast majority of violent incidents occur among the unmedicated.
Psychotherapy is crucial for addressing identity diffusion and preventing mass shootings: Psychotherapy plays a vital role in treating identity diffusion, a dynamic linked to mass shootings, by helping individuals understand and take responsibility for their emotions, rather than relying on external validation and using defense mechanisms like projective identification.
While mass shootings and mass murders perpetrated by individuals with mental illness tend to receive more media attention, the number of these incidents involving individuals on therapeutic doses of psychiatric medications is very low. Psychiatric medications do not contribute to mass shootings and mass murder. Instead, psychotherapy plays a crucial role in treating dynamics and struggles related to identity diffusion, which involves an individual's sense of self-worth and their reliance on external validation from others. Identity diffusion can lead to using defense mechanisms such as projective identification, where an individual attributes their feelings to others rather than addressing them within themselves. Psychotherapy is essential in helping individuals with identity diffusion, as it allows them to understand and take responsibility for their emotions. Overall, both psychotherapy and psychiatric medications have unique roles in addressing mental health issues and preventing mass shootings.
The influence of media on gun violence and mass shootings: Media's romanticization of gun violence and the availability of guns can contribute to mass shootings, making it crucial to address both issues to prevent them.
Identity fusion and projective identification can lead individuals to internalize negative feelings and project them onto others, creating a distorted perception of self-worth and value. This phenomenon was discussed in relation to mass shootings, where the availability of guns and the romanticization of gun violence in media can contribute to the choice of guns as a method for committing mass murder. The study suggests that managing gun availability is crucial, but addressing the romanticization of gun violence and the influence of media on young people may also be essential to reducing mass shootings. Before the 1970s, families and teachers were the primary influences on young people, but since then, media has become the dominant influence. Understanding and addressing the impact of media on the culture of gun violence could be a critical step in preventing mass shootings.
The influence of violent media on gun violence is complex: Media can influence culture's perception of violence, but doesn't necessarily cause individuals to become violent.
The relationship between violent media, such as video games, music, movies, and gun violence is complex and not necessarily direct. While some studies suggest an association, others have shown that there isn't necessarily a higher prevalence of violent media consumption among violent individuals. Instead, these media industries influence culture as a whole, and their effects are not limited to individuals who consume them directly. For example, a culture that romanticizes violence or guns may lead to an increase in violence across various media platforms. However, it's important to note that the vast majority of people are not becoming more violent due to media consumption. In fact, violence has decreased significantly over time. Despite this, media often portrays violence as common, giving the false impression that it's more prevalent than it actually is. Some parents and high-level media professionals have chosen to limit their children's exposure to media to promote a healthier and less violent upbringing.
Media-free family vacations improve relationships: Limiting media consumption for families can reduce conflict and enhance relationships. Start by taking personal responsibility for your own media use.
Limiting media consumption for both parents and children can lead to improved relationships and reduced conflict. The speaker shares his personal experience of a media-free family vacation, which led to fewer arguments and more quality time for the whole family. He emphasizes that this strategy doesn't require extensive research or expertise, but rather intuition and self-efficacy. As mental health clinicians, the speaker suggests that we can start making a difference by addressing our own media consumption and the media consumption of our families before trying to tackle larger systems. Additionally, the speaker shares his experiences with patients who responded positively to therapy, even those who were initially difficult to connect with due to countertransference or other challenges. In summary, the speaker encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own media consumption and to use this as a starting point for making positive changes in their own lives and relationships.
Mental health treatment's role in preventing harmful behaviors: Access to mental health treatment, including therapy and medication, is crucial for individuals to overcome internal and societal pressures contributing to harmful behaviors like mass shootings.
Access to mental health treatment, including medication and therapy, plays a crucial role in preventing harmful behaviors, including mass shootings. This is because treatment helps individuals overcome their internal inhibitions and moral systems, as well as societal pressures that may contribute to such behaviors. The relationship with a mental health professional is therapeutic in itself and can benefit not only those with diagnosed mental illnesses but also those without. Additionally, the stories and myths we tell our children have a significant impact on their development and should promote positive values like courage, selflessness, and forgiveness.
The Power of Moral Stories: Moral stories resonate with us and teach values effectively, encouraging parents to engage with their children through such stories for maximum impact.
Stories with strong moral values are universally appealing and effective in teaching values, right from wrong. These stories, whether for children or adults, unconsciously resonate with us due to the inherent understanding of right and wrong. As a researcher in this field, Dr. Marc Hauser emphasizes the importance of instilling these values in children beyond just watching educational content on platforms like YouTube. He encourages parents to engage with their children through stories that convey moral messages, as these stories are most popular and impactful. Dr. Hauser's research on morality and violence, published and forthcoming in various academic journals, further highlights the significance of understanding the complex relationship between morality and human behavior. You can find more information about his work on his website, columbia.edu, by searching for his name.