Examining whether method of suicide exposure and closeness to decedent relate to firearm storage practices

One factor that can influence whether someone will engage in secure firearm storage is having a suicide exposure (SE). Daruwala et al. (2018) examined this and found that individuals with an SE, without considering perceived closeness, did not significantly differ from those who did not have an SE in their firearm storage practices. Thus, the present study aimed to replicate and extend the research of Daruwala et al. (2018) by examining if the method of suicide (by firearm or other means) and closeness of suicide decedent relate to secure firearm storage practices.

308 male firearm owners completed self-report measures assessing SE, perceived closeness to decedent, and current firearm storage practices. Chi square and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Suicide loss exposure, regardless of method used in suicide, did not relate to firearm storage practices in this sample. We also found that there was no association between perceived closeness to the decedent who died by suicide by firearm and secure storage, without considering age.

Results underscore the difficulty in helping male firearm owners develop personally salient reasons to increase safety with firearms. Implications for clinical care, firearm safety, and public health initiatives are explored.