Perceived Benefits and Risks of Keeping Firearms in and Around the Home: Results From a Nationally Representative Survey.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to characterize the extent to which individuals perceive value and risk from firearm access and to what extent these perceptions vary across subpopulations.

METHODS

A nationally representative sample (n=8,009) recruited from Ipsos KnowledgePanel completed an online survey May 15 to May 28, 2024. Data were analyzed in 2024.

RESULTS

Most (63.2%) individuals believe firearms increase safety in the case of home invasions. With respect to suicide risk, the most common response is that firearm access has no impact (36.3%). Those who perceive greater protective value from firearms tended to perceive less of an association with suicide risk. Individuals endorsing conspiratorial beliefs and those who report typically storing firearms loaded and unlocked perceived more protective value and less suicide risk. Those with prior gun violence exposure perceived greater protective value but did not differ on levels of perceived suicide risk.

CONCLUSIONS

U.S. residents may overstate the protective value of firearms while discounting risk. Certain groups, including those susceptible to conspiratorial beliefs, appear prone to these skewed perceptions. An imbalance in the available information on the risks and benefits of firearm access may perpetuate risky behaviors.