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Keeping Kids Safe

Inside the minds of school shooters, with general insight into adolescent mental health.

Psychopathy
School Shooters: There Is No Sound Bite

Peter Langman Ph.D. on January 31, 2015

My new book summarizes research on forty-eight school shooters, going beyond sound bites to a more in-depth analysis of the lives and minds of the perpetrators.

My new book summarizes research on forty-eight school shooters, going beyond sound bites to a more in-depth analysis of the lives and minds of the perpetrators.

Psychopathy
Elliot Rodger: A Psychotic Psychopath?

Peter Langman Ph.D. on May 28, 2014

Elliot Rodger appears to have had a blend of the psychopathic features of Eric Harris and the psychotic traits of Dylan Klebold.

Elliot Rodger appears to have had a blend of the psychopathic features of Eric Harris and the psychotic traits of Dylan Klebold.

Psychosis
The Massacre At Sandy Hook Elementary School

Peter Langman Ph.D. on December 15, 2012

Other shooters have killed family members, and other shooters have been adults who attacked elementary schools, but no previous shooter has done both. In that way, Lanza’s attack appears to be unique.

Other shooters have killed family members, and other shooters have been adults who attacked elementary schools, but no previous shooter has done both. In that way, Lanza’s attack appears to be unique.

Psychopathy
Jared Cano: Plans for Rampage

Peter Langman Ph.D. on August 20, 2011

Did Jared Cano really mean to go through with his planned attack? If so, what kind of person would do such a thing?

Did Jared Cano really mean to go through with his planned attack? If so, what kind of person would do such a thing?

Sex
Sex, Love, and School Shooters: Eric Harris

Peter Langman Ph.D. on July 23, 2010

 School shooters typically experience extreme frustration and/or anguish in their pursuit of intimacy, whether their primary focus is on finding love or simply having sex. Though Eric Harris's attack was influenced by multiple factors, did the issues of love or sex play a role in the dynamics that culminated in murder?

 School shooters typically experience extreme frustration and/or anguish in their pursuit of intimacy, whether their primary focus is on finding love or simply having sex. Though Eric Harris's attack was influenced by multiple factors, did the issues of love or sex play a role in the dynamics that culminated in murder?

Suicide
To Kill and To Die: Suicide and School Shooters

Peter Langman Ph.D. on August 4, 2009

I recently read a statement that all rampage school shooters are suicidal. Though many school shooters are suicidal at the time of their attacks, there are exceptions.

I recently read a statement that all rampage school shooters are suicidal. Though many school shooters are suicidal at the time of their attacks, there are exceptions.