Objective:
Little is known about what determines which method an individual will use to die by suicide. In this study, we examined 149 individuals who had died by suicide by firearm or hanging (answers provided by surviving friends or family). Age and firearm ownership status were the only factors that differentiated between firearm and hanging victims, thereby highlighting that access to a particular method often drives the decision to use that method. Given the uniquely high lethality rate of firearms, this is an important consideration. 85-95% of all firearm suicide attempts result in death as compared to less than 5% of all other suicide attempts combined – and 70% of those who survive a suicide attempt never attempt again. Increase firearm access may drive the decision to use a firearm in a suicide attempt, thereby lowering the odds of survival and a subsequently long and fulfilling life.
Method:
Data were collected as part of a larger online study that gathered information about suicide decedents and the circumstances around their death from family members and friends; the most common sources being parents, friends, and other family members. This study used data from those who died by suicide by firearm or hanging (n = 149); and was restricted to those who identified as male and white. The study examined if age, education, marital status, military affiliation, and firearm ownership impacted method selection.
Project Status:
Completed
Principal Investigator (PI):
Michael Anestis, PhD, Samantha Daruwala, PhD, Allison Bond, MS, Shelby Bandel, MS, Kayla Wagler BS