Factors contributing to honor‐endorsing men's suicide capability: Firearm ownership, practical capability, and exposure to painful and provocative events

Abstract

Objective: White men in U.S. cultures of honor die by suicide at greater rates than other demographic groups. This finding has been attributed to factors such as the prevalence and use of firearms in men's suicide in honor states, as well as motivational risk factors (e.g., thwarted belongingness). Other features of honor cultures (e.g., physical aggression, risk-taking behaviors) suggest that honorendorsing men may frequently experience painful and provocative events (PPEs), which, in turn, may facilitate practical capability for suicide. The present work tested this hypothesis and honor ideology's relationship to firearm ownership and storage practices. Method:In two samples of mostly White U.S. men-one undergraduate sample (N = 472, M age = 19.76) and one middle-to older adult sample (N = 419, M age = 65.17)-we assessed honor ideology endorsement, PPEs, practical capability for suicide, and firearm-related outcomes. Results:Honor endorsement was greater among firearm owners (particularly self-protective owners), but it was unrelated to storage practices. Honor endorsement was positively associated with PPEs and practical capability. Additionally, the relationship between honor ideology and practical capability was indirectly explained by PPE exposure. Conclusions:Results highlight multiple avenues-PPEs, practical capability for suicide, (self-protective) firearm ownership-by which masculine honor norms may place men at risk for suicide. K E Y W O R D Sculture of honor, firearm ownership, interpersonal theory of suicide, painful and provocative events, practical capability

The masculinity-based model of Aggressive Retaliation in Society (MARS).

“…Indeed, those higher in masculine honor ideologies (a highly reputational variable) are more accepting of guns, are more likely to carry and own guns, and as previous research has shown, are more likely to commit violent retaliatory crimes with guns (Bock et al, 2021; Matson et al, 2019). As gun laws make gun ownership easier, and as social norms encourage their ownership and use, the behavioral capacity for committing gun violence increases (see also suicide rates by those higher in masculine honor beliefs who value gun ownership; Bock et al, 2021; Klonsky & May, 2015). Indeed, research suggests that the mere presence of a gun can increase feelings of aggression/violence (see weapons effect; Anderson et al, 1998; Kleck & DeLone, 1993).…”

“…Many researchers have tied the ownership of guns and firearms not to the need for protection, but rather to seek control and social status (e.g., Cooke, 2004;Diener & Kerber, 1979). Indeed, those higher in masculine honor ideologies (a highly reputational variable) are more accepting of guns, are more likely to carry and own guns, and as previous research has shown, are more likely to commit violent retaliatory crimes with guns (Bock et al, 2021;Matson et al, 2019). As gun laws make gun ownership easier, and as social norms encourage their ownership and use, the behavioral capacity for committing gun violence increases (see also suicide rates by those higher in masculine honor beliefs who value gun ownership; Bock et al, 2021;Klonsky & May, 2015).…”

“…These compound with fluctuations in hormones, especially testosterone, that can further inhibit the suppression of antisocial behavior. Indeed, future research should examine whether the provocation (bullying), perceived behavioral expectation (parents' expectations), and bypass suppression (lack of mental health support) are exacerbated by the perceived need and desire in cultures of honor to own and carry guns (behavioral capacity; e.g., Bock et al, 2021), with individuals highlighting the need for "good guys with guns" (see Stroud, 2012). While being told to "pull yourself up by the bootstraps and stand up for yourself!," some children unfortunately may experience a deadly combination of risk propensities This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.…”

“…Another factor that may affect an actor’s inability or unwillingness to suppress their aggressive behavior is the inability or unwillingness to otherwise cope with external stressors—men from cultures of honor tend to suffer from higher rates of undiagnosed mental health issues (Bock et al, 2021; Crowder & Kemmelmeier, 2014; Osterman & Brown, 2011) which previous researchers tie to the stigmatization of mental health (Brown et al, 2014; Foster et al, 2021; Gul & Uskul, 2021; Pederson & Vogel, 2007). Indeed, aggression is often committed with an objective in mind, and the objective may be to express anger or to cope with frustration.…”

“…Indeed, aggression is often committed with an objective in mind, and the objective may be to express anger or to cope with frustration. The lack of suppression of aggression may be more likely as individuals are less likely to access resources such as mental health treatment, that may provide them with other means to express their anger or deal with their frustration (Bock et al, 2021; Crowder & Kemmelmeier, 2014; Osterman & Brown, 2011; Swearer, 2019). Boys and men are less likely to seek mental health treatment because traditional gender roles and masculine honor ideology may imply or explicitly state that doing so is a sign of weakness, especially in Southern states (see Brown et al, 2014; Gul et al, 2021; McDermott et al, 2018; Pederson & Vogel, 2007; Vogel et al, 2011; Wahto & Swift, 2016).…”