Title: Mental Health and Firearms in Community-Based Surveys: Implications for Suicide Prevention

Publication Date: June 2008

What does it say?

Suicide risk is higher among gun owners and among those who live in a home with a gun than among non-gun owners.  This study documents that the high risk of suicide among gun-owners is not related to poor mental health and may be related to other characteristics relevant to a completed firearm suicide, like poor impulse control.  

How can I use it?

The findings of this study support the justification for licensing regimes that screen out those who may be emotionally unstable or may have impulse control problems.

Citation

Sorenson Susan B. and Katherine Vittes, “Mental Health and Firearms in Community-Based Surveys: Implications for Suicide Prevention,” Evaluation Review 32:3 (June 2008):239-256