Students report lower levels of distress during active shooter trainings compared to other emergency preparedness practices
A new, empirical, peer-reviewed study conducted by researchers affiliated with Xavier University, Northern Kentucky University, and Seattle University has announced the results of its assessment of the psychological impact of active-shooter response training on students. Contrary to the belief of many, the study found that for students in 4th-12th grade, active assailant training provided more feelings of safety than fear, worry, or concern.
The study, published in the journal Victims & Offenders, contextualizes the psychological impact of discussion-based active assailant training in terms of other crisis/emergency preparedness techniques, such as fire drills, tornado drills, and Stranger Danger discussions. Until now, the singular focus on active assailant responses in prior research has not allowed comparisons to other well-known and accepted forms of crisis/emergency preparedness practices that children are exposed to routinely.