In the wake of the March, 2018, shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Florida, and many that have occurred since, we are identifying opportunities for coping and growth after similar experiences of school-based trauma. We draw on the literature on Post-traumatic Growth (PTG) and Transformative Learning (TL), which suggests that specific individual and environmental factors can foster positive responses to traumatic experiences. Building on our work as Division 48’s 2018 Psychology & Peace Conference Paper-in-a-Day team, we apply PTG and TL theories to mass shootings in schools. In this suite programming, we will present a summary of the multidimensional impacts of school shootings and a brief review of existing response plans. We will then discuss ways that TL strategies can contribute to opportunities for PTG following these traumatic events. Finally, we will seek feedback from the audience about designing response plans based on the principles of PTG and TL, as well as the possible implications of implementing such frameworks in school communities. Our programming will be rooted in the presidential theme of “Solidarity Amidst Violence” as we begin a new conversation about supporting individuals, schools, and communities in the aftermath of school shootings.
Who: Lucienne Lunn, Gabriel Velez, Karen Campion, Steven James, & Chris Drapeau (Division 48 Suite Programming)
Contact: [email protected]
When: APA Annual Convention
Date: Sunday, August 11th
Time: 9 – 11:50 am
Place: Suite 1401 of the Hilton Garden Inn. To get there, please tell the front desk you are going to the Division 48 Hospitality Suite.