[bransonf]

Interestingly enough, I transitioned to gun violence research, which is what I do now, after wondering something along these lines.

If you live in a neighborhood where gun violence is a common occurrence, do you still get startled when you hear gunshots? If so, this would have a physiological effect, because it breaks your rhythm in an abrupt way, and does so at the frequency of hearing gun shots.

Obviously this is highly theoretical, but if true it would mean that just being in the proximity of violence puts you at an extra health risk, one that very few people would assume.

[dadarepublic]

From personal experience myself and with friends, the level by which you are "startled" is in direct proportion to the proximity of the gunfire.

e.g. Hearing gunshots in the distance, you recognize they are gunshots, take note, but continue on your way. Hearing gunshots on your block or within a group you are in, you take immediate notice and react accordingly. But in either case, any time you hear them, is a reminder that the underlying fear never leaves.