Psychology of mass shootings

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Following the mass shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington D.C., victims and community members could face a long road to recovery. According to Dr. Russell T Jones, professor of psychology at Virginia Tech University, these victims are at risk of developing depression, traumatic grief and post traumatic stress disorder. However, he says, one of the best predictors of victims overcoming these effects is having social support.

"Will these people ever be the same no, but can they get better? Can they move forward? Yes," says Jones.

Although many victims feel they can deal with the trauma on their own, Jones stresses the importance of getting mental health assistance and reaching out for help.