A statewide survey examining ACEs, (poly)Victimization, perceptions of mental health, and firearm information provision in the aftermath of the pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT Scholars continue to unpack the negative impact(s) the COVID-19 pandemic has on Americans’ lives. Those experiencing adverse experiences during childhood may have been disproportionately at greater risk of victimization during the pandemic. As mental health deteriorated and firearm violence increased in the early stages of the pandemic, the public may become more aware and receptive to seeking mental health counseling and restrictive firearm policies. Utilizing an original statewide survey distributed across the state of South Carolina, we first test whether those with high ACEs scores (as well as other mental/physical health factors) were more likely to experience criminal (poly)victimization during the pandemic. Next, we present findings from an experiment that randomly presented research information about positive effects of mental health and restrictive firearm policies on respondents’ willingness to seek mental health counseling and support of restrictive firearm policies. Findings indicate that those with high ACEs reported increased risk of victimization and poly-victimization. While the experimental treatments did not impact respondents’ willingness to seek mental health counseling or support for restrictive firearm polices, multiplicative analyses revealed that certain sub-groups of respondents were significantly impacted by information about restrictive firearm policies. Several policy implications and future avenues of scholarly exploration are discussed.