TIME: The Dangers of Linking Gun Violence and Mental Illness

In reaction to the increase in mass shootings in the United States many sources, such as politicians and news outlets, have been quick to connect gun violence with mental illness. Claiming over and over again that these two are linked can often cause the “illusory truth effect,” where people believe something that they have heard several times.

However, extensive research has shown that there is not a link between those with mental illness committing violent acts against others, and those with mental illness actually are victims of such crimes at rates 10 times higher than the general population.

To read the full article by Megan L. Ranney and Jessica Gold published in TIME, click here .