Handbook of Gun Violence

Handbook of Gun Violence provides a comprehensive review of the complex world of gun violence. From its roots in epidemiology and public health to the intricacies of biopsychosocial risk factors to criminological and forensic considerations, this book offers an interdisciplinary exploration of a pressing societal issue. Sections cover everything from the history of firearm injury prevention research to the social, political, and policy implications surrounding gun violence. This book focuses on evidence-based strategies and emerging research areas, and equips readers with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of gun violence prevention, intervention, research, and policy. With contributions from leading experts across various fields, including scientists from the CDC and NIH, this handbook provides invaluable insights into understanding, preventing, and addressing gun violence.

Table of Contents:
Table of Contents-Long (Work) Foreword Section A: Epidemiology/Public health 1. The History of Firearm Injury Prevention Research 2. The Public Health Approach for Firearm Violence and Injury Prevention 3. IPV and Gun Violence: A Focus on Teen Dating Violence 4. Firearm Suicide Risk and Prevention Among Service Members 5. Firearm Suicide 6. Inequities in Interpersonal Firearm Violence 7. The Epidemiology and Prevention of Unintentional Firearm Injuries Section B: Biopsychosocial 8. Risk and Protective Factors for Adolescent Gun Carrying and Firearm Violence 9. Neurobiology of Violence 10. Guns, Genes, and Crime 11. Psychopathy and Violence 12. Contagious Effects of Gun Violence in the Media: A Social-Cognitive Perspective 13. A Social-Ecological Model to Understand Gun Violence Section C: Violence Prevention and Intervention 14. Healthcare-Based Firearm Injury Prevention 15. Firearm Suicide Prevention 16. Technical Assistance as a Tool to Enhance the Dissemination and Implementation of Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention Strategies 17. Community-Based Approaches to Prevent Firearm Violence 18. Place-based approaches to Firearm Violence Prevention 19. Psychosocial Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Conduct Problems 20. Prison-Based Interventions for Violence 21. Gun Violence and Its Influence on School Safety and Security 22. Hunting Safety 23. Enhancing the Translation of Violence Prevention Efforts and Research in Politically Charged Policy Environments Section D: Forensic Psychology 24. Firearm Violence and Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses 25. Offender Profiling and Gun Crime 26. Mass Shootings 27. Terrorism and Gun Violence 28. Violence Risk Assessment and Management Section E: Criminology 29. The Gun-Centric Nature of Gang Violence 30. Forced Migration and Gun Violence: What do we Know? 31. Firearms Trafficking and Transnational Crime 32. A Neurocriminological Perspective on Violence Section F: Funding, Surveillance Data, and Research Methods 33. Emerging Research Areas and Contributions of NIH in Firearm Injury and Mortality Research 34. Federal and Foundation Funding for Gun Violence Prevention Programming and Research 35. Public Health Surveillance of Nonfatal Firearm Injuries 36. Public Health Surveillance of Firearm Injury Deaths 37. Applying Data Science to the Study of Gun Violence 38. Research methods: Considerations and Opportunities to Advance Firearm Injury and Violence Prevention Section G: Policy and Politics 39. New Zealand Experience with Gun Violence and Gun Control 40. European Experience with Gun Violence and Gun Control 41. U.S. Experience with Gun Violence and Gun Control

About the Author :
Dr. Nicholas D. Thomson is the Director of Research at VCU Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program, Associate Professor in the Departments of Surgery and Psychology, and Forensic Research Psychologist at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Thomson’s research has been supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; including some of the first research funding dedicated to preventing gun violence among high-risk youth and adults in 25 years. Dr. Thomson is widely published in the field of forensic psychology and developmental psychopathology, with over 70 peer-reviewed publications, chapters, and a textbook on psychopathy (Understanding Psychopathy: The Biopsychosocial Perspective). Dr. Thomson serves on the editorial board for multiple leading journals, including Psychology of Violence. Dr. Thomson pioneered the development of the first virtual reality interventions aimed at promoting gun safety among adults, reducing retaliatory gun violence among youth victims of violence, and preventing youth suicide. He is an advocate for interdisciplinary research, focusing on mechanistically-informed strategies that incorporate a biopsychosocial approach to enhance both cutting-edge research and effective prevention. His expertise is recognized internationally, and he consults on strategies for preventing gun violence, violent extremism, radicalization, and family-level antisocial behavior. Dr. Thomson has received numerous awards and nominations for his research excellence and innovation, both nationally and internationally, in the fields of externalizing disorders and violence prevention.

Review :
Quote from Published Foreword: “In summary, the Handbook of Gun Violence is much more than a compilation of research findings and theoretical insights; it serves as a light guiding the path toward understanding, preventing, and ultimately reducing gun violence. Through these pages, the reader is exposed to a multifaceted landscape of gun violence, equipped with a deeper comprehension of its root causes, affected populations, and the pervasive impact on societies worldwide. This handbook marks a pivotal step in rallying researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and communities to join forces in a multidisciplinary effort to address gun violence. By casting a wide net over the complexities of this issue, it challenges the status quo, provides innovative approaches, and forges new pathways that lead to safer and more resilient communities. Through collaborative exploration, rigorous research, and unwavering dedication to public health and safety, the Handbook of Gun Violence aspires to turn the tide against gun violence, crafting a legacy of peace and security for future generations. I am glad to have it as a resource on my bookshelf.” -- Brad J. Bushman, Ph.D. Editor, Psychology of Violence, Executive Secretary, International Society for Research on Aggression, Professor, School of Communication, The Ohio State University "The public health crisis of firearm injuries has received too little scholarly attention for too long. The Handbook of Gun Violence shines a light on this critical issue and explores the most promising solutions. This comprehensive volume is sure to become a go-to reference in our field." -- Jonathan Jay, DrPH JD, Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Public Health