Journal Articles

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

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Suicide rates are higher among those who own or live in a household with a hand gun. This article examines the association between hand gun ownership and mental health, another risk factor for suicide. Data from the General Social Survey, a series of surveys of U.S. adults, are analyzed to compare general emotional and mental health, sadness and depression, functional mental health, and mental health help seeking among gun owners, persons who do not own but live in a household with a gun, and those who do not own a gun. After taking into account a few basic demographic characteristics associated with both variables, there appears to be no association between mental health and gun ownership. Nor is there any association between mental health and living in a household with a firearm. Findings suggest that the high risk of suicide among those who own or live in a household with a gun is not related to poor mental health. Implications for prevention are discussed.

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Detail Information

Series Title

Evaluation Review

Call Number

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Publisher

California : Sage Publications., 2008

Collation

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Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

0193-841X

Classification

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Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

Vol. 32, No. 3, June 2008. Page 239-256

Subject(s)

Mental health
firearms
Suicide
Mental Health and Firearms in Community-Based

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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