South Middlesex Times

Adults in the United States often misjudge the risks and benefits associated with home firearm access, a study by Rutgers Health has found. The research indicates that many adults overestimate the protective benefits of firearms during home invasions while underestimating their impact on suicide risk.

Approximately 40% of U.S. households report having access to firearms, with most owners typically storing at least one firearm unsecured. Defense is cited as the primary reason for this practice, despite evidence linking unsecured firearms to increased suicide risk.

Michael Anestis, Executive Director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers, suggests that an information imbalance may contribute to Americans' belief that home firearm access enhances safety rather than increasing suicide risk.

The study surveyed 8,009 adults in May and assessed perceptions regarding home firearm access's role in protection during invasions and its link to suicide risk. Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, it revealed that 62.3% of all adults and 85.7% of those with firearm access view firearms as somewhat helpful during a home invasion. However, only 36.3% of all participants and 52.3% of those with firearms believe there is a connection between gun access and suicide risk.

Anestis noted: “American families are tasked with balancing competing demands when they consider whether or not to keep a firearm in their home." He added that many people see both risks and values but often prioritize perceived protective value.

The research also explored who is more likely to perceive these risks and values inaccurately. Those holding conspiratorial beliefs about political events were more prone to exaggerate the protective value while downplaying the risks associated with firearms.

Anestis emphasized: “It may be that there is an information imbalance fueling Americans’ belief that home firearm access keeps them safe rather than increasing the risk for suicide.” He highlighted the influence of media sources consumed by individuals who hold conspiracy theories, suggesting this leads some communities to make decisions based on misinformation about firearms' roles in safety and danger.