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AI Summary of Peer-Reviewed Research

This page presents an AI-generated summary of a published research paper. The original authors did not write or review this article. [See full disclosure ↓]

Publishing process signals: STRONG — reflects the venue and review process. — venue and review process.

Unsecured firearm storage linked to higher suicide risk in Army members

Psychology research
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash · Unsplash License
Research area:PsychologyClinical PsychologyGun Ownership and Violence Research

What the study found

Unsecured firearm storage was associated with increased suicide risk across all time frames in US Army service members. Carrying a weapon other than a firearm was also associated with heightened suicide risk.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors conclude that firearm storage and carrying behavior, including behaviors involving weapons other than firearms, may indicate heightened suicide risk among military service members.

What the researchers tested

The study was a retrospective cross-sectional study of US Army service members. It examined firearm storage practices and carrying behaviors and controlled for lifetime mental health disorders and a history of stressful life events.

What worked and what didn't

Unsecured firearm storage showed a significant association with increased suicide risk across all time frames. Carrying a weapon other than a firearm was also associated with higher suicide risk.

What to keep in mind

The abstract does not describe additional limitations beyond the retrospective cross-sectional design and the factors controlled for in the analysis.

Key points

  • Unsecured firearm storage was significantly associated with increased suicide risk.
  • The association held across all time frames reported in the study.
  • Carrying a weapon other than a firearm was also linked to higher suicide risk.
  • The analysis controlled for lifetime mental health disorders and stressful life events.
  • The study used a retrospective cross-sectional design in US Army service members.

Disclosure

Research title:
Unsecured firearm storage linked to higher suicide risk in Army members
Authors:
Catherine L. Dempsey, James C. West, Claire Houtsma, Jingning Ao, Robert Bossarte, Matthew K. Nock, Kelly L. Zuromski, Matthew W. Georg, Katy Haller, Deborah Probe, Luke Sumberg, David M. Benedek
Institutions:
Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, University of South Florida, Harvard University
Publication date:
2026-04-21
DOI:
10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.8268
OpenAlex record:
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Image credit:
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash · Unsplash License
AI provenance: This post was generated by OpenAI. The original authors did not write or review this post.

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