Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting 

National Child Traumatic Stress Network 

www.NCTSN.org 

Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting 

The combination of life-threatening traumatic personal experiences, loss of loved ones, disruption of routines and 

expectations of daily life, and post-violence adversities pose psychological challenges to the recovery of children and families 

in the affected areas. The following issues may be helpful to consider: 

Reactions to Danger 

Danger refers to the sense that events or activities have the potential to cause harm. In the wake of the recent catastrophic 

violence, people and communities have greater appreciation for the enormous danger of violence and terrorism and the need 

for effective emergency management plans. There will be widespread fears of recurrence that are increased by misinformation 

and rumors. Danger always increases the need and desire to be close to others, making separation from family members and 

friends more difficult. 

Posttraumatic Stress Reactions 

Posttraumatic stress reactions are common, understandable, and expectable, but are nevertheless serious. The three 

categories are: 1) Intrusive Reactions, meaning ways the traumatic experience comes back to mind. These include recurrent 

upsetting thoughts or images, strong emotional reactions to reminders of the attacks, and feelings that something terrible is 

going to happen again; 2) Avoidance and Withdrawal Reactions, including avoiding people, places and things that are reminders 

of the attacks, withdrawal reactions, including feeling emotionally numb, detached or estranged from others, and losing interest 

in usual pleasurable activities; and 3) Physical Arousal Reactions, including sleep difficulties, poor concentration, irritability, 

jumpiness, nervousness, and being “on the lookout for danger.” 

Grief Reactions 

Grief reactions are normal, vary from person to person, and can last for many years. There is no single “correct” course of 

grieving. Personal, family, religious, and cultural factors affect the course of grief. Over time, grief reactions tend to include more 

pleasant thoughts and activities, such as positive reminiscing or finding uplifting ways to memorialize or remember a loved one. 

Traumatic Grief 

People who have suffered the loss of a loved one under traumatic circumstances often find grieving even more difficult than it 

might otherwise be. Their minds stay on the circumstances of the death, including preoccupations with how the loss could 

have been prevented, what the last moments were like, and issues of accountability. Traumatic grief changes the course of 

mourning, putting individuals on a different time course than is usually expected. 

Depression 

Depression is associated with prolonged grief and strongly related to the accumulation of post-violent adversities. Symptoms 

can include depressed or irritable mood, change in sleep or appetite, decreased interest in life activities, fatigue, and feelings 

of hopelessness and worthlessness. Some youth and adults may experience suicidal thoughts. 

Physical Symptoms 

Survivors may experience physical symptoms, even in the absence of any underlying physical injury or illness. These symptoms 

include headaches, stomachaches, rapid heartbeat, tightness in the chest, change in appetite, and digestive problems. In 

particular, the smell of smoke can lead to panic reactions, especially in response to reminders. Panic often is expressed by cardiac, 

respiratory, and other physical symptoms. More general anxiety reactions are also to be expected. 
Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting 

National Child Traumatic Stress Network 

www.NCTSN.org 

Trauma and Loss Reminders 

Trauma reminders: Many people will continue to encounter places, people, sights, sounds, smells, and inner feelings that remind 

them of the shooting. The sounds of gunfire, the smell of smoke, and people screaming have become powerful reminders. Adults 

and youth are often not aware that they are responding to a reminder, and the reason for their change in mood or behavior may go 

unrecognized. Media coverage can easily serve as unwelcome reminders. It is particularly difficult when loved ones/friends have

been together during a traumatic experience, because afterward they can serve as trauma reminders to each other, leading to 

unrecognized disturbances in these important relationships, especially in a young person’s life. Loss reminders: Those who have 

lost loved ones continue to encounter situations and circumstances that remind them of the absence of their loved one. These 

reminders can bring on feelings of sadness, emptiness in the survivor's life, and missing or longing for the loved one's presence. 

Post-violent Stress and Adversities 

Contending with ongoing stresses and adversities can significantly deplete coping and emotional resources and, in turn, interfere 

with recovery from posttraumatic stress, traumatic grief, and depressive reactions. For example, school aged children may exhibit 

confusion, somatic responses (e.g., headaches, stomachaches), unusually aggressive or restless behaviors, or concerns about 

safety. Medical treatment and ongoing physical rehabilitation can be a source of additional stress. New or additional traumatic

experiences and losses are known to exacerbate distress and interfere with recovery. Likewise, distress associated with prior 

traumatic experiences or losses can be renewed by the experience of the shooting. Youth’s recovery is put in jeopardy without 

properly addressing changes in their relationships, monitoring of their at-risk behaviors, and assisting with changes to future life 

goals. Some adversities require large-scale responses, while others can be addressed, in part, by personal and family problem 

solving. 

Consequences of These Reactions 

Intrusive images and reactivity to reminders can seriously interfere with school performance and avoidance of reminders can 

lead to restrictions on important activities, relationships, interests and plans for the future. Irritability and impaired 

decision-making can interfere with getting along with family members and friends. Trauma-related sleep disturbance is often 

overlooked, but can be persistent and affect daily functioning. Some may respond by being unusually aggressive or restless, 

needing to be around parents or caregivers more than usual, or voicing fears or concerns about their safety or the safety of 

their friends. Adolescents may become inconsistent in their behavior, start to withdrawal and avoid social situations, become 

overly confrontational or aggressive, or engage in high risk behaviors (e.g., driving recklessly, using drugs and alcohol). 

Depressive reactions can become quite serious, leading to a major decline in school performance, social isolation, loss of 

interest in normal activities, self-medication, acting-out behavior, and, most seriously, attempts at suicide. Traumatic grief can 

lead to the inability to mourn, reminisce and remember, fear of a similar fate or the sudden loss of other loved ones, and to 

difficulties in establishing or maintaining new relationships. Adolescents may respond to traumatic losses by trying to become 

too self-sufficient and independent or by becoming more dependent and taking less initiative. 

Coping after Catastrophic Violence 

In addition to meeting people’s basic needs, there are several ways to enhance people’s coping. Physical: Stress can be 

reduced with proper nutrition, exercise and sleep. Youth and adults may need to be reminded that they should take care of 

themselves physically to be of help to loved ones, friends, and communities. Emotional: Youth and adults need to be reminded 

that their emotional reactions are expected, and will decrease over time. However, if their reactions are too extreme or do not

diminish over time, there are professionals who can be of help. Social: Communication with, and support from, family 

members, friends, religious institutions and the community are very helpful in coping after catastrophic violence. People should 

be encouraged to communicate with others, and to seek and use this support where available. 

Restoring a sense of safety and security, and providing opportunities for normal development within the social, family 

and community context are important steps to the recovery of children, adolescents, and families.