Adolescents’ Concerns About School Violence or Shootings and Association With Depressive, Anxiety, and Panic Symptoms

Key Points Question Is reported concern about school violence or shootings associated with internalizing problems among adolescents? Findings In a cohort study of 2263 adolescents, greater concern about school violence or shootings was prospectively associated with increased odds of reporting generalized anxiety and panic symptoms 6 months later. There was no overall association between concern about school violence and depressive symptoms. Meaning These findings suggest that concerns about school violence or shootings might be a risk factor for internalizing problems among adolescents that may warrant public health attention.