Understanding Targeted Violence 101: Introduction and History

Understanding Targeted Violence 101: Introduction and History is organized by California Psychological Association (CPA) and will be held on Jan 21, 2026.

Description:
Typically following a mass shooting incident, the discussion and debate often emerges in the media about mental health conditions and the attacker. Threat assessment experts often discuss mental health characteristics as vulnerability factors that may accelerate concerning behaviors. Research has shown that attackers were receiving or had some type of mental health treatment. For practicing clinical psychologists, these issues raise more questions about the professional practices to mitigate targeted violence. What are psychologists’ roles in prevention and intervention? What do they need to know for people who may show signs of targeted violence?

As part of a Webinar Workshop Series, Understanding Targeted Violence 101: History and Introduction, Dr. Holifield will cover the history and development of identifying people who are intent on carrying out a mass attack. Warning behaviors, risk factors, as well as understanding a person’s pathway to a potential attack will be introduced to enhance a practitioner’s understanding of the context a person’s process in considering targeted violence as a means to alleviate a grievance or problem.

Level:
Introductory

After attending this webinar, attendees will be able to:

1. List three contexts for the application of behavioral threat assessment.
2. Identify the eight warning behaviors for Targeted violence.
3. List the six stages of the Pathway to Violence.
4. Describe two examples of leakage warning behavior.