Poster #147 - Measuring Stress Before and After Simulated Violent Interactions: States, Traits, & Change

• In Event: ASC Poster Session II

Abstract

The steady rise of gun violence in the U.S., most notably in comparison to pre-pandemic rates, and issues surrounding gun ownership laws and the decision making process behind mass shootings and incidents of gun violence have received significant coverage in the media. This trend can also be seen in recent Criminological publications. However, the vast majority of research on the decision making processes behind gun violence is primarily conducted on and centered around police officers. This poster will examine the role of trait and state stress on decision making processes of private citizens, an understudied population in Criminological research, during simulated violent encounters.

Participants will engage in a set of simulated violent encounters and will complete an array of surveys both pre and post participation. Self reported stress levels will be taken before and after participation, as well as other data, including biomarkers of stress. Does stress increase as a result of participation in simulated violence? Do pre test stress levels influence or lead to a change in participant decision making? Findings will be based on performance in the simulations and survey data.

Author

• Bannah Kennedy, Florida Atlantic University