KQED Forum Discusses Virginia Tech Tragedy

Keith McBurnett, PhD, associate adjunct professor of psychiatry at UCSF, who specializes in disruptive behavior in children and adolescents, is one of Michael Krasny's guests discussing Monday's shooting rampage at Virginia Tech. McBurnett presents a psychological profile of the shooter Cho Seung-Hui, and discusses media influence on an individual's violent behavior. "The media doesn't have that much of an effect on most of us," said McBurnett. "It has its greatest effect on the individuals who are most susceptible." Prevention strategies, according to McBurnett, include increasing our availability to people who are experiencing this "sustained mental anguish," talking about the tragedy and letting go of the stigmata associated with serious mental illness. Related Links: Virginia Tech Shootings Forum with Michael Krasny, KQED-FM (NPR), April 17, 2007 Chancellor Responds to Virginia Tech Tragedy UCSF Today, April 18, 2007