Threat perceptions, defensive behaviors, and the perceived suicide prevention value of specific firearm storage practices

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionSecure firearm storage has been proposed as a suicide prevention method within the military; however, secure storage practices are uncommon. Service members may perceive limited value in secure storage as a suicide prevention tool and threat‐related factors may influence such perceptions.MethodA nationally representative sample of firearm‐owning military service members (n = 719) was recruited between December 3, 2021 and January 4, 2022 to complete a self‐report survey by Ipsos using their KnowledgePanel calibration approach to optimize representativeness.ResultsThreat sensitivity was associated with less perceived suicide prevention value across all within‐home storage practices as well as out‐of‐home storage. Defensive firearm ownership was associated with less perceived out‐of‐home storage value. Contrary to expectations, PTSD symptoms were associated with greater perceived suicide prevention value across all storage practices and intolerance of uncertainty was associated with greater perceived out‐of‐home storage value.DiscussionPerceptions of, sensitivity to, and reactions to threat represent a complicated confluence of factors that may influence firearm views and behaviors in disparate ways. Viewing the world as dangerous and other people as a threat may limit perceived suicide prevention value for secure storage and increase the drive for firearm access.