An AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness Approach

By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.

Chairman, The National Center for Emotional Wellness

Principal Consultant & Creator, AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness

There's no single solution to reduce the prevalence of violence in our nation's schools, universities, houses of worship, movie theaters, shopping malls, workplaces, and in our communities. However, a coordinated, evidence-based, multimodal approach—incorporating AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness (AIEW)—can reduce both the frequency and severity of violent acts.

AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness (AIEW) emphasizes the ethical and responsible intersection of artificial intelligence’s cognitive capabilities with the irreplaceable power of genuine human presence. Technology can support prevention—but people protect people.

The following ten strategies reflect that approach and are strengthened by the principles of AIEW—the integration of AI’s cognitive capabilities with the irreplaceable power of genuine human connection.

1. Make Prevention a National Priority

Prevention begins with awareness. People should learn about indicators of potential violence and be instructed on whom to share information with. In nearly every violent attack, someone knew something to suggest the realization of violence. We must teach others to Err on the Side of Caution (ESC)—and save lives.

2. Encourage Reporting

The media and law enforcement agencies should encourage people to report concerns about potential violent acts and take every report seriously. Investigators should do their due diligence and always Err on the side of caution to avert a tragedy. The single most significant predictor of violent behavior is past violent behavior. AIEW ensures that data-driven insights are paired with professional human experience, empathy, and ethical decision-making.

3. Expand Mental Health Services Using AIEW Principles

Mental health facilities and community-based programs must be expanded for individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. While most people with mental health challenges are not violent, those at risk can benefit from early intervention, emotional-regulation strategies, and human support. AI can increase access to screening tools, psychoeducation, and coping strategies. However, treatment and stabilization require human engagement, clinical judgment, and continuity of care.

4. Address Aggression, Depression, and Suicide

Depression is among the leading causes of illness and disability worldwide, and suicide is among the leading causes of injury-related death in the United States. There is a well-established correlation between suicide and homicide; many perpetrators of violent acts ultimately take their own lives or die during the event. AIEW-informed programs can provide real-time access to coping tools, but human presence is essential when individuals decompensate—evidencing an increase in concerning symptoms and a decrease in functioning. Addressing anger and aggressiveness must include both technological support and direct human intervention.

5. Restore Face-to-Face Human Connection in Our Increasingly Digital World

As technology increases, we must recognize the irreplaceable importance of genuine, authentic face-to-face interpersonal communication. People of all ages must be taught social skills, empathy, and assertiveness—skills learned best through direct human interaction, not computer screens.

AIEW explicitly affirms that technology can't replace the physical presence of people.

6. Stop Glorifying Perpetrators in the Media

Media outlets must stop broadcasting the names and images of perpetrators. Social media, streaming platforms, and 24-hour news have created an indelible "stage" upon which disturbed individuals perform. Focusing inordinate attention on perpetrators and their actions increases the frequency of violent threats and acts. We must turn off the spotlight and stop glorifying and reinforcing maleficent conduct.

7. Protect Soft Targets with Experienced Human Presence

We must utilize our greatest resources to protect “soft targets,” such as our nation’s schools and universities. Consideration must be given to employing retired law enforcement personnel and our veterans who have demonstrated exemplary performance and are well-trained and experienced in firearms. AI can assist us with risk assessment, staffing optimization, and situational awareness, but human protectors—trained, vetted, and emotionally stable—remain the best frontline safeguard.

8. Do Not Burden Educators with Armed Roles

Teachers and school personnel are educators—not armed responders. Their knowledge, education, skill, experience, and training are in teaching, mentoring, and supporting our children. Educators have overwhelming responsibilities and should not be placed in situations where they are called upon to draw a weapon and make a choice to use deadly force. There are countless retired police officers and military veterans with exemplary records of performance who could serve in this capacity.

9. Implement Responsible Firearm Safeguards

While it's virtually impossible to eliminate every assault rifle, there are certainly reasonable and responsible mechanisms that could be put into place to prevent these weapons from getting into the hands of the wrong people. This could be implemented by considering variables such as age at purchase and ownership, and by enhancing background checks, including a waiting/processing period.

10. Emotional Wellness Must Become a National Priority

There is considerable focus today on wellness: preventing illness, keeping people healthy, and improving the quality of life. Greater attention must be given to a key component of wellness that is often overlooked: Emotional wellness—an awareness, understanding, and acceptance of our feelings and our ability to manage effectively through challenges and change.

It’s time to foster Emotional Wellness in America. AI can provide accessible strategies and coping tools—but it can't supplant the irreplaceable need for human connection.

Contact The National Center for Emotional Wellness