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Mass Murderers: a Case Study Analysis of Social Media Influence and Copycat Suicide

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Mass Murderers: a Case Study Analysis of Social Media Influence and Copycat Suicide Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 Mass Murderers: A Case Study Analysis of Social Media Influence and Copycat Suicide Stephanie Ann McKay Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Stephanie McKay has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Eric Hickey, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Jerrod Brown, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Victoria Latifses, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract Mass Murderers: A Case Study Analysis of Social Media Influence and Copycat Suicide by Stephanie McKay MS, Walden University, 2012 BS, Francis Marion University, 1996 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University May 2020 Abstract The frequency of mass murder has increased over the past decade, with nearly half of all mass murderers committing suicide. Previous researchers have found imitations of mass murderers which relate to suicide contagion, media contagion, and copycat effects; however, there remains a gap in the literature pertaining to the connection between copycat suicides of mass killers and the influence of social media. The purpose of this study was to provide a greater understanding of U.S. public mass murderers who commit copycat suicides based on the influence of social media. The constructivist conceptual framework guided the examination of a purposeful sample of 12 American mass murderers who committed suicide. The research questions aligned with Murray’s transcendent fantasy theory and Bandura’s social learning theory, and included an analysis of publicly available data. Six themes were identified among public mass murderers in the United States who committed suicide: (a) preoccupation with previous mass murderers, (b) suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts and planning and prior suicide attempts), (c) extreme isolation and computer use (social media, Internet, and violent video games), (d) presence of copycat behavior, (e) fame-seeking fantasies and media attention, and (f) preoccupation with the Columbine shooters. These findings contribute to existing research about mass murder, copycat behaviors, and social media influence. Bringing greater awareness of mass murderers, copycat suicides, and social media influence to the public, law enforcement, media outlets, and other stakeholders will promote improved identification and intervention of potential mass killers, as well as the educated distribution of information related to mass murder via social media, so that improved actions and reactions occur in society, enhancing positive social change. Mass Murderers: A Case Study Analysis of Social Media Influence and Copycat Suicide by Stephanie McKay MS, Walden University, 2012 BS, Francis Marion University, 1996 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University May 2020 Dedication For my parents, Sara and Odell McKay, who have supported and encouraged me not only through this process, but my entire life. Words could not express the love I have for both of you and how appreciative I am for everything you have done for me. For my Aunt Jeanette, who is my rock and my forever best friend. I am so very thankful and blessed to have an aunt that has always been a great listener and supporter. You are so much more than an aunt. For my mentor, Billie C. Blackmon, who shared her love of criminal law with me and taught me more about life in a short amount of time than she will ever know. Acknowledgments I would like to offer my deepest appreciation to my committee members, Dr. Eric Hickey and Dr. Jerrod Brown. The guidance that Dr. Hickey has provided me, not only through the dissertation process, but over the past three years is unmeasurable. He has encouraged me, laughed with me, and supported me through this process, which I am forever grateful. I am thankful to Dr. Jerrod Brown for his support and wealth of knowledge. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................3 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................5 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................6 Research Questions ........................................................................................................6 Conceptual Framework for the Study ............................................................................7 Transcendent Fantasy Theory ..................................................................................7 Social Learning Theory............................................................................................8 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................8 Definitions......................................................................................................................9 Assumptions .................................................................................................................12 Scope and Delimitation ................................................................................................13 Limitations ...................................................................................................................13 Significance..................................................................................................................14 Summary ......................................................................................................................15 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................17 Introduction ..................................................................................................................17 Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................18 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................19 Literature Review Related to Key Concepts ................................................................20 i Social Media ..........................................................................................................20 Media Changes and Mass Murder .........................................................................22 Contagion ...............................................................................................................24 Behavioral and Social Factors ...............................................................................25 Mass Murderer Manifestos ....................................................................................28 School Shootings ...................................................................................................29 Suicide....................................................................................................................30 Firearms/Gun Control ............................................................................................32 Mental Illness/Mental Disorders ............................................................................34 Media Aftermath ....................................................................................................36 Summary and Conclusions ..........................................................................................37 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................41 Introduction ..................................................................................................................41 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................42 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................43 Methodology ................................................................................................................44 Participant Selection Logic ....................................................................................44
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