Data On Guns and Suicide
Suicides outnumber homicides in the U.S, and a majority of suicides are committed using guns. There is a clear correlation between guns and suicides… more guns = more suicides (Briggs & Tabarrok, 2013). In studies analyzing state-level data the relationship between firearm access and suicide rates was examined. The findings indicate that states with higher rates of firearm ownership have higher suicide rates, particularly among males.
Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults and limiting access has been shown to prevent suicides – most of which occur impulsively. Guns at home increase the risk of suicide – especially when there is a depressed teen at home. When access to guns are limited, there is not an increase in suicide by other means to compensate.
References:
- Briggs, J., & Tabarrok, A. (2013, December). It’s simple: fewer guns, fewer suicides. Slate. http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2013/12/gun_ownership_causes_higher_suicide_rates_study_shows.html
- Miller, M., & Barber, C. (2021). Firearm access and suicide rates in the United States: A state-level analysis. American Journal of Public Health, 111(11), 2045-2053. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306375
