Objective:
In a sample of 6,200 Americans matched to Census demographic data, we examined threat sensitivity (e.g. views that the world is dangerous and others are untrustworthy) and its relationship to firearm ownership and suicide risk. Firearm owners who own primarily for protection endorsed higher levels of threat sensitivity and suicide-related behaviors than did other firearm owners and non-firearm owners. The same held true for those intending to purchase a firearm in the coming year compared to those undecided or who intended not to acquire a firearm during that time frame. This highlights that individuals driven to purchase firearms for protection may be more anxious, more sensitive to threat, and more vulnerable to suicide.
Method:
The present study conducted an initial test of this hypothesis by examining associations among firearm ownership, intentions to acquire additional firearms, threat expectancies, and past-month suicidal thoughts and behaviors using data collected from a national sample of 6,200 U.S. adults.
Project Status:
Completed
Principal Investigator (PI):
Michael D. Anestis, PhD, Craig J. Bryan PsyD ABPP, AnnaBelle O. Bryan, MS