A Trauma and Recovery Model for Victims and Their Families after a Catastrophic School Shooting: Focusing on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Psychological Effects and Needs
Abstract
School shootings, and particularly catastrophic school shootings, are no longer a rarity in this country. This article presents a trauma and recovery model for victims of a catastrophic school shooting, based on the author's experiences with victims of a suburban school shooting. It is meant to provide a better understanding of the impact and responses often observed in victims—students, staff, teachers, and administrators—and their families after a catastrophic school shooting. The model identifies behavioral, cognitive, and psychological responses, as well as the psychological needs of the victims and their families.