Objective:
Firearms account for approximately two-thirds of all suicide deaths in the military. In a large sample of service members– drawn largely from the Army National Guard – we examined firearm storage practices and suicide risk. Service members with lifetime suicidal thoughts were not more likely than other service members to own firearms; however, among firearm owning service members, those with prior suicidal thoughts, current depressive symptoms, and a stronger belief that they may die by suicide in the future were significantly more likely to store their firearms unsafely (e.g. loaded and/or in an unlocked location). This means that the service members most at risk for suicidal thoughts are often the ones with the most ready access to a firearm.
Method:
The present study examined firearm storage and suicide risk in a large nonclinical sample of service members (total sample n = 953; firearm owning sample = 473). Lifetime suicidal ideation, current depressive symptoms, and perceived likelihood of making a future suicide attempt were associated with unsafe firearm storage.
Project Status:
Completed
Principal Investigator (PI):
Michael D. Anestis, PhD, Sarah E. Butterworth, PhD, Allison E. Bond, MS, Samantha E. Daruwala, PhD, Shelby L. Bandel, MS, Craig J. Bryan, PsyD ABPP