‘Whether it’s your weapon or not, it’s your home’: US military spouse perspectives on personal firearm storage
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Betz, M. E., Meza, K., Friedman, K., Moceri-Brooks, J., Johnson, M. L., Simonetti, J., Baker, J. C., Bryan, C. J., & Anestis, M. D. (2023). “Whether it’s your weapon or not, it’s your home”: US military spouse perspectives on personal firearm storage. BMJ Military Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/military-2023-002591
Abstract Created by REACH:
Safe firearm storage is one focus of the Department of Defense’s broader suicide prevention efforts. This qualitative study explored military spouses’ role in firearm storage decisions to inform firearm suicide prevention efforts. 56 stakeholders who were (a) military spouses themselves, (b) individuals working at military family support organizations, or (c) in both of these groups participated in either a one-on-one interview or a focus group. Participants were asked openended questions about firearm storage and household decision-making about firearms. The themes that emerged addressed firearm storage decision-making in the home and on military installations, messaging received about firearm storage, and firearm removal for at-risk Service members/Veterans.
Focus:
Couples
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Guard
Reserve
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Qualitative Study
Cross sectional
Authors:
Betz, Marian E., Meza, K., Friedman, K., Moceri-Brooks, J., Johnson, M. L., Simonetti, J., Baker, J. C., Bryan, C. J., Anestis, M. D.
Abstract:
Introduction In the USA, an estimated 45% of veterans personally own firearms. Firearm access increases the risk of suicide, so suicide prevention efforts in the US Department of Defense (DoD) focus on lethal means safety, including reducing firearm access. Spouse input may enhance effective messaging and intervention delivery of lethal means safety. This study used qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of military spouses or partners on personal firearm storage, including at-home decisions, on-base storage and existing messaging from the DoD. Materials and methods Qualitative data were obtained using 1:1 interviews and focus groups with spouses/partners of US military service members (active duty, Reserve, National Guard, recently separated from the military) and representatives from military support organisations. Sessions focused on personal firearm storage (at home or on military installations) and military messaging around secure firearm storage and firearm suicide prevention. Data were analysed using a team-based, mixed deductive–inductive approach. Results Across 56 participants (August 2022–March 2023), the themes were variability in current home firearm storage and spousal participation in decision-making; uncertainty about firearm storage protocols on military installations; mixed awareness of secure firearm storage messaging from the military; and uncertainty about procedures or protocols for removing firearm access for an at-risk person. Conclusion US military spouses are important messengers for firearm safety and suicide prevention, but they are currently underutilised. Tailored prevention campaigns should consider spousal dynamics and incorporate education about installation procedures.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
Firearm, safety, Department of Defense
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: