The Association Between Adolescent Gun Ownership and Gun Carrying and Adulthood Violence and Victimization

James D. Kelsay, Ian A. Silver, J. C. Barnes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although many studies have highlighted the deleterious outcomes associated with access to firearms, others suggest gun ownership and carrying can have protective effects. This study attempts to adjudicate between these countervailing points and address several important gaps in the literature. To do so, data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health were used to assess the long-term associations between gun ownership and gun carrying in late adolescence and violence and violent victimization in early adulthood. Results from propensity score matching analyses suggest gun carrying, but not gun ownership, is associated with a higher risk of experiencing a violent victimization (b = 0.080, 95% CI =.032,.127) and engaging in violence with a weapon (b = 0.885, 95% CI =.392, 1.378). Efforts to curb firearm-related violence should consider focusing on those who carry guns for additional counseling about these risks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)157-192
Number of pages36
JournalViolence and victims
Volume36
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Health(social science)
  • Law

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