WASHINGTON — Following is the statement of APA President Rosie Phillips Davis, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association, on the deadly shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand:

"The horrific shootings at two mosques in New Zealand point up yet again the need for more scientific research into the causes of extremist violence, as well as the role of social media in the spread of dangerous, hate-filled rhetoric.

“Like the rest of the world, the American Psychological Association mourns this needless loss of life and is appalled by this unspeakable act of bias-fueled prejudice. We must find evidence-based solutions to stop the gun violence that is becoming a global public health crisis.

“Psychology and psychologists stand ready — once again — to offer those in distress the comfort, guidance and counseling they need to maintain their resilience in the midst of such shock and grief.”

For people who are suffering distress or just wanting to better understand gun violence, APA offers a variety of resources on its website, including:

• Managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting
• Helping children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
• How to talk to children about difficult news and tragedies
• How much news coverage is OK for children?
• Warning signs of youth violence
• Gun Violence: Prediction, Prevention and Policy (an expert panel report)
• APA's Gun Violence Prevention Efforts

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 118,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.