Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 12-3-2025

Faculty Advisor(s)

Dr. Ann Gordon

Abstract

In the first 303 days of 2025, there were 350+ mass shootings in the United States. Recent research has shown mass shootings are one of the primary fears among Americans, and if unaddressed, could continue to cause political and social division. Using the Chapman University Survey on American Fears (CSAF), a national representative sample of American adults, my research highlights the influence of primary factors such as gender, political orientation, and media intake. This research will examine the correlation between gun violence and opposition to weapon regulation. Mass shootings have become rampant in spaces that should be safe, like schools, religious structures, and shopping centers. Yet, the fear of gun regulation is growing rapidly, which raises a concern to whether gun violence is increasing in the country, or media and news sources are contributing to paranoia and anxiety. It has also sparked curiosity into public opinion and the reaction to these incidents. For example, is a person who often consumes media regarding violent gun use more likely to purchase a weapon for protection, therefore increasing the likelihood of gun violence? Based on existing research within my topic, I expect to find a decrease of support of gun regulation in response to prevalent gun violence. Prior research and studies have mixed data on whether mass shootings influence a rise in weapon sales and gun violence. Citizens deserve a safe America, which poses the question: How can we contribute to a safer country for our neighbors?

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Presented at the Fall 2025 Student Scholar Symposium at Chapman University.

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