“Hey, let me hold your guns for a while”: A qualitative study of messaging for firearm suicide prevention

Abstract

A recommended component of suicide prevention is encouraging at‐risk individuals to voluntarily and temporarily reduce access to firearms and other lethal methods. Yet delivering counseling on the topic can be difficult, given the political sensitivity of firearm discussions. To support such counseling, we sought to identify recommended framing and content of messages about reducing firearm access for suicide prevention. Through qualitative interviews with firearm owners and enthusiasts, we identified key points for use in framing (identity as a gun owner, trust, voluntary and temporary storage, and context and motivation) and specific content (preference for “firearm” over “gun,” and legal issues such as background checks for transfers). These findings build on prior work and should enhance efforts to develop and deliver effective, acceptable counseling and—ultimately—prevent firearm suicide.

Firearm-related experiences and perceptions among United States male veterans: A qualitative interview study

“…For male veterans in this age group, trust appears to be paramount [35]. This finding is consistent with prior studies demonstrating that acceptability, credibility, and trust are interrelated, foundational elements of firearm-related interventions, and suicide prevention interventions, generally [35,42].…”

“…Our findings also helped to clarify prior research by providing insight into factors important for initiating firearm-related conversations [15][16][17][18]. For male veterans in this age group, trust appears to be paramount [35]. This finding is consistent with prior studies demonstrating that acceptability, credibility, and trust are interrelated, foundational elements of firearm-related interventions, and suicide prevention interventions, generally [35,42].…”

“…This is one of only a few qualitative studies conducted specifically among veterans and members of the firearm-familiar community [17,35]. Among male veterans, ages 50 to 70 years, who were current or former firearm owners or users, we identified several themes relevant for the development of firearm-related suicide prevention interventions.…”

Veterans, Firearms, and Suicide: Safe Storage Prevention Policy and the PREVENTS Roadmap

“…Some of the current phrasing includes: "Hey, let me hold your guns for a while," "People who love guns, love you," and "Have a brave conversation." [59][60][61] The national campaign should attempt to correct the inaccurate beliefs that suicide death always is the result of mental illness and is inevitable once seriously contemplated. In fact, more than half of the individuals who die by suicide have no diagnosed mental health condition.…”

Firearm legislation and statewide suicide rates: The moderating role of household firearm ownership levels

“…Recently, collaborations between suicide prevention groups and members of the firearm‐owning community have yielded efforts to promote safe storage of firearms in the home and voluntary and temporary storage of firearms away from the home during times of crisis (Barber, Frank, & Demicco, ). Early research in this area has emphasized the importance of framing the discussion in a manner that is culturally competent and utilized language that is acceptable to gun owners (Pallin et al, ). Such approaches thus far lack empirical support with respect to lowering suicide rates; however, they represent an innovative effort to expand the reach of means safety into conservative areas with high levels of firearm ownership.…”