Eleanor Poole

What are the risks of owning firearms on suicide?

Started June 7, 2022

Abstract or project description

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in America. Every day, about 125 Americans take their own lives. These deaths can be executed through both violent (e.g. firearms, hangings) and non-violent methods (e.g., overdosing). Prior work has found that the use of firearms contributed to around 60% of all completed suicides. Nearly 50% of suicidal attempts are done impulsively, with little planning. Access to firearms can often be dangerous in these situations, given that individuals in close proximity to a firearm are able to act on these impulses. Suicide by a firearm can be deadly, as 90% of firearm suicide attempts lead to death. This being said, individuals often turn to firearms when considering different methods of suicide. Owning a gun inside a home, increases the risk of suicide. The risk of suicide in homes with firearms increases for not only the gun owner, but also anyone living within the home. The present paper discusses access to firearms and the risks of suicide across all ages and genders.