Media Use and Gender Differences in Negative Psychological Responses to a Shooting on a University Campus

Abstract

Prior research in responses to crisis and emergency messages has indicated that while the acquisition of information is critical in reducing anxiety and stress, informational needs and associated emotional reactions on the part of men and women may be quite different. This survey study revealed that responses following a campus shooting in 2008 were consistent with this research, as women expressed greater anxiety and desire for information. A ruminative coping style is offered as a possible explanation, and the results are discussed in terms of implications for emergency management.

Keywords:

• crisis communication
• university shooting
• rumination
• psychological responses
• gender