A Rutgers study reveals widespread misconceptions about home firearm safety. Many adults overestimate protection against home invasions while underestimating the increased suicide risk
A new study from the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers University has uncovered widespread misconceptions among U.S. adults regarding the risks and benefits of home firearm access.
The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, reveals a tendency to overestimate the protective value of firearms during home invasions while significantly underestimating their impact on suicide risk.
These findings highlight the need for accurate information dissemination to ensure that decisions about home firearm ownership are based on facts, not distorted perceptions.
Overestimating protection, underestimating risk
The study surveyed 8,009 adults nationwide, examining their beliefs about the role of home firearms in both protection and suicide risk. A striking 62.3% of all adults, and an even higher 85.7% of those who own firearms, believe that having a gun in the home is at least somewhat helpful in protecting against home invasions. This perception of enhanced safety is a primary driver for firearm ownership, with many individuals citing self-defense as their primary motivation.
Conversely, the study found a significant underestimation of the link between home firearm access and suicide risk. Only 36.3% of all adults and 52.3% of firearm owners acknowledged that having a gun in the home increases the risk of suicide. This disconnect between perceived protection and potential harm is particularly concerning, given the well-established correlation between firearm access and suicide deaths.
Balancing perceived value and risk
While many participants held skewed views, the study also revealed a complex interplay between perceived value and risk. Even among those who strongly believed in the protective value of home firearms, a significant proportion acknowledged the increased suicide risk. Specifically, 37.5% of those who deemed firearms “extremely helpful” for home defense also recognised the elevated suicide risk.
This suggests that while the perceived protective benefit may be a primary motivator for firearm ownership, many individuals are at least partially aware of the associated dangers. As lead author Michael Anestis, executive director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, notes, “American families are tasked with balancing competing demands when they consider whether or not to keep a firearm in their home.” The perceived value, despite acknowledged risks, appears to be a deciding factor for many.
The influence of conspiratorial beliefs
The study also delved into the factors influencing these perceptions. Researchers found a strong correlation between holding conspiratorial beliefs and skewed perceptions of firearm safety. Individuals who endorsed beliefs such as the illegitimacy of the 2020 presidential election or the denial of the Jan. 6th attack as domestic terrorism were significantly more likely to overestimate the protective value of firearms and underestimate the suicide risk.
This suggests that misinformation and distorted narratives, often fueled by certain media sources and the firearms industry, play a significant role in shaping public perceptions of firearm safety.
Addressing the information imbalance
Anestis highlights the “information imbalance” as a key factor contributing to these misconceptions. He argues that targeted messaging from the firearms industry and specific media outlets can create a distorted view of the role of firearms in home safety. This skewed information environment leaves communities vulnerable to making decisions about home firearm access based on false narratives rather than factual data.
The study emphasises the urgent need to address this information imbalance and ensure that individuals have access to accurate, evidence-based information about the risks and benefits of home firearm ownership. According to the researchers, the goal is not to dictate choices about firearm ownership but rather to empower individuals to make informed decisions grounded in reality. By providing clear and unbiased information, public health officials and policymakers can help families make choices that truly enhance their safety and well-being.
