Pro and Anti Gun Control Frames Depicting Mass Shootings: Impact on Fear of Victimization

This research investigates the influence that different frames depicting mass shootings have on an individual's fear of victimization. A 2 (pro vs. anti gun control theme) x 2 (school vs. theater) plus control experimental design was used to test the hypotheses and research questions. Results suggest that change in negative emotions moderated the relationship between the pro gun control condition (as compared to control) and fear of victimization. Further, findings suggest that women, non-gun owners, and those exposed to depictions of mass shootings in a school with an anti gun control message reported higher levels of fear of victimization and likelihood of victimization.