Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2025

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Vehicle Firearm Storage: Prevalence and Correlates in a Sample of Male Firearm Owners
Abstract:
Previous research has linked unsafe firearm storage practices and other ownership-related characteristics to key factors that facilitate the transition from suicidal thoughts to suicidal behaviors (i.e., acquired capability for suicide). This research has not investigated the extent to which firearm owners store firearms in their vehicles, a factor that increases ready access to the most lethal means of suicide.
Objective:
This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of occasional and permanent vehicle firearm storage as well as demographic and psychological correlates of this practice in a sample of N = 408 adult male firearm owners oversampled for historical thoughts of suicide.
Methods:
Participants completed an online survey for monetary compensation.
Results:
Over 40% of participants indicated at least occasionally storing firearms in their vehicles with over 15% indicating storage of firearms unlocked and loaded. Elevated scores on measures of negative affect, worry, intolerance of uncertainty, and historical suicidal thoughts and behaviors were seen in those who endorsed vehicle firearm storage compared to those who did not.
Conclusion:
Individual and public health firearm safety strategies would benefit from an explicit focus on the transition of firearms to and from one's vehicle.HIGHLIGHTSOver 40% of male firearm owners at least occasionally store a firearm in a vehicle.15% of those who store a firearm in a vehicle do so unlocked and loaded.Suicidal thought severity was related to storing a firearm in a vehicle.Historical suicidal behaviors were related to storing a firearm in a vehicle.
Related Concept Videos
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Hazard Ratio
For example, in a clinical trial...
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Relative Risk
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Repetitive IV Injections

