Colin, second year master’s student, presented updates to his master’s thesis proposal titled Types of Change in Anxiety Regarding
Mass Shootings in Response to New Information. He intends to examine psychological outcomes, focusing on taking a closer look at the different types of change in anxiety experienced by individuals and their responses to various types of information regarding mass shootings. Recently, he began collecting data for his thesis through the use of online surveys, allowing for preliminary analysis of the responses from the participants. With the data collection being a work in progress, Colin has been able to work on analysis on the different types of changes in anxiety: alpha (linear), beta (non-linear reprioritization & recalibration), and gamma (non-linear reconceptualization). His analysis revealed that regardless of emotional content in information presented to individuals, the discussion of mass shootings alone is enough to raise anxiety levels. Congratulations, as well, to Colin, for being awarded the Provost Graduate Student Research Award
which will aid him in furthering his research!
With his research, Colin hopes to better the current understanding of how various forms of media on mass shootings are impacting individuals not directly involved in the event. He aspires to one-day assist in the creation of active shooter training based on his research, by finding better ways to spread awareness and news within the media. In addition, Colin hopes to discover different therapeutic routes for those both directly and indirectly involved in. Amazing work Colin, we look forward to hearing more about your findings!
FF-PTG LAB 