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February 8, 2025 – A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that many U.S. adults hold inaccurate beliefs regarding the risks and benefits of keeping firearms in their homes.
The research, conducted by the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, surveyed 8,009 adults in May to assess their perceptions of firearm safety in the context of home invasions and suicide risk. The findings highlight a widespread belief in the protective benefits of home firearm access while downplaying its potential risks.
Misconceptions About Firearm Safety
The study found that 62.3% of all adults and 85.7% of those with firearm access believe that having a firearm at home is at least somewhat helpful in protecting individuals during a home invasion. However, only 36.3% of the total sample and 52.3% of firearm owners acknowledged the well-documented link between firearm access and increased suicide risk.
Despite robust data indicating that unsecured firearms contribute to higher suicide rates, many firearm owners store their weapons without secure locking mechanisms. The most commonly cited reason for this practice is the belief that it facilitates self-defense.
The Dual Perspective: Protection vs. Risk
Interestingly, the study also found that some individuals recognize both the potential benefits and dangers of home firearm access. Among those who considered firearm access “extremely helpful” for home defense, 37.5% also acknowledged its role in increasing suicide risk. Among those who deemed firearm access “somewhat helpful,” 62.6% agreed that it raises suicide risk.
“American families must balance competing concerns when deciding whether to keep firearms in their homes,” said Michael Anestis, executive director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers and lead author of the study. “Many people see both risk and value in firearm ownership, but often, the perceived protective benefits outweigh the acknowledged risks.”
Influence of Misinformation
The study also examined factors influencing these perceptions, revealing that individuals endorsing certain conspiracy theories—such as the belief that President Joe Biden was not the legitimate winner of the 2020 election or that the events of January 6, 2021, did not constitute domestic terrorism—were more likely to overestimate the protective benefits of firearms while underestimating their risks.
According to Anestis, misinformation from firearm industry messaging and certain media outlets may contribute to these skewed perceptions. “These beliefs leave some communities vulnerable to making decisions about firearm access based on misleading narratives rather than factual data,” he said.
The Need for Fact-Based Decision-Making
The study underscores the importance of providing Americans with accurate information about firearm risks and benefits. “The goal is not to dictate personal decisions but to ensure that individuals are making informed choices based on factual data rather than misconceptions,” Anestis emphasized.
As firearm access remains a significant public safety concern, particularly regarding suicide prevention, experts stress the need for continued education and evidence-based policy discussions on responsible gun ownership.
For more information, refer to the full study: Perceived benefits and risks of keeping firearms in and around the home: Results from a nationally representative survey, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2025.01.012.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on a study conducted by the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center and does not serve as legal or medical advice. The views expressed in the study reflect the findings of the researchers and are not necessarily representative of all perspectives on firearm ownership and safety.
