Research By VSU Professor Suggests That Addressing Social Isolation May Be Vital To Preventing Mass Shootings
Courtesy Virginia State University Research by Virginia State University Psychology Professor Dr. Samuel West (pictured) has identified social isolation as the most critical external indicator leading up to mass shootings. The analysis of 177 mass shooters suggests that social isolation is an ideal candidate for acquaintances and communities of would-be shooters to intervene. Dr. West led the study while a postdoctoral researcher at theâŻInjury and Violence Prevention Research LabâŻat VCU Health. The study is novel because the data collected is based on othersâ perceptions of a mass shooter. âWhen we are isolated from our social circles, we lose that functional component of