Social support linked to safer firearm storage and less frequent carrying

Firearm safety is a crucial issue that affects individuals and communities across the United States. Recent research conducted by Rutgers Health researchers sheds light on the impact of social support on firearm behaviors. According to their study published in Injury Prevention, the level of support from family, friends, and partners can influence a person’s behaviors around firearms, with more support leading to a reduction in unsafe behaviors.

The researchers analyzed data from a 2024 nationally representative survey of over 8,000 adults, with 2,451 respondents reporting access to a firearm. Using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, a set of 12 questions to measure an individual’s perception of support, they examined the relationship between social support and firearm behaviors such as carrying firearms frequently and safe storage practices.

Lead author Daniel Semenza, director of research at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, highlighted the significance of social connections in mitigating risky firearm behaviors. Individuals who felt more supported by their partners, families, or friends were less likely to carry firearms frequently or store them unsafely. The study found that increased social support was associated with lower odds of carrying firearms frequently and higher odds of safe storage practices such as locking firearms and storing them separately from ammunition.

While the impact of social support on physical and mental health is well-known, this study is the first to explore its influence on firearm behaviors. Semenza emphasized the potential of building and leveraging social support networks in public health efforts to prevent firearm injuries. When individuals feel more connected to others, they tend to feel safer, leading to a reduction in risky firearm behaviors.

The study’s co-authors included researchers and faculty from Rutgers University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the Foundation for Louisiana. Their findings underscore the importance of considering social support in strategies aimed at promoting firearm safety and preventing injuries.

For more information on the study, readers can refer to the publication in Injury Prevention by Daniel C. Semenza et al. (DOI: 10.1136/ip-2025-045819). This research was made possible by the contributions of Rutgers University and other collaborating institutions. It serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing efforts to address firearm safety and public health concerns in the United States.