Firearms Policy and Suicide Prevention

Firearms and Suicide in Honor Cultures

Research has shown how honor cultures promote aggression against others (e.g., homicide) and the self (e.g., suicide). Two studies examine the connection between honor and a predilection for guns in the commission of suicide. Study 1 shows that Whites living in honor states are especially likely to use guns to commit suicide, controlling for gun accessibility. Study 2 reveals that a “gun access...

A Review on the International Handbook of Suicide Prevention: Research, Policy and Practice

Mental health and firearms in community-based surveys: implications for suicide prevention.

Suicide rates are higher among those who own a handgun and among those who [corrected] live in a household with a hand gun. This article examines the association between [corrected] gun ownership and mental health, another risk factor for suicide. Data from the General Social Survey, a series of surveys of U.S. adults, are analyzed to compare general emotional and mental health, sadness and dep...

Current trends in youth suicide and firearms regulations.

BACKGROUND Despite numerous prevention initiatives, suicide remains the second leading cause of death in youth aged 10-19. One of the major prevention strategies is the introduction of restrictive firearms regulations. For example, Bill C-17 was enacted in 1991 to promote safer handling and storage of firearms through mandatory safety courses for all new gun owners. Examining the suicide rates ...

Policy and governance to address depression and suicide in Bhutan: The national suicide-prevention strategy.

Suicide and mental disorders are a growing public health issue in Bhutan, due in part to a rapidly transitioning society. The burden of suicide has been recognized by the Royal Government of Bhutan and, as a result, it introduced the country's first ever national suicide-prevention plan in 2015. The 3-year action plan takes a holistic approach to making suicide-prevention services a top social ...