Firearm Suicide: Pathways to Risk and Methods of Prevention
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-2018
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Firearms are utilized in approximately half of all US suicides, making them a serious public health concern and a target of suicide prevention efforts. Practical capability influences the transition from suicidal ideation to action and is particularly relevant to firearm suicide. Firearm ownership, experience using firearms, unsafe firearm storage, and high cultural acceptability of firearms increase risk for death by firearm suicide. Means safety strategies, which emphasize the reduction of practical capability for suicide through the limitation of access to and safe storage of firearms, are effective in preventing suicide and include interventions such as lethal means counseling, firearm legislation, and promoting safe storage practices. Public health interventions aimed at reducing firearm suicide are critical topics for continued research.
Publication Title
Current Opinion in Psychology
Volume
22
First Page
7
Last Page
11
Recommended Citation
Houtsma, C.,
Butterworth, S. E.,
Anestis, M. D.
(2018). Firearm Suicide: Pathways to Risk and Methods of Prevention. Current Opinion in Psychology, 22, 7-11.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/14927