Professor discovers a link between gun ownership and higher rates of suicide

[SecularMotion]

UCR Professor of Sociology Augustine Kposowa recently published his study “Impact of Firearm Availability and Gun Regulation on State Suicide Rate” in The Journal of Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior. His research found that gun owners are more likely to commit suicide and discusses the measures that should be taken to prevent more deaths in the United States. He hopes his research will motivate policymakers to take preventative measures and create regulations on gun ownership.

Kposowa began his study because he was shocked by the “laxity and wide availability of guns” in America. “A lot of people think that when suicide occurs it is because of planning, but that is not the case, suicide can happen in an impulsive way,” Kposowa explained in his research.

“If the gun is unlocked the risk (of suicide) goes higher, and then if the unlocked gun is loaded the rates go even higher,” Kposowa stated. In addition to whether the gun is loaded, he also investigated the different types of storage and the effect that has on rates of suicide.

The researcher proposed policy changes that could help to decrease suicide rates within the United States. Referencing the comparably lower gun suicide rates in countries with stricter gun regulations, Kposowa advocates allowing the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect data on gun ownership. “If the CDC can collect data then we can constantly report on the dangers of guns, maybe that will help people to change their minds and their fixation on guns,” he said. Currently the CDC is not allowed to appropriate funds for studies that “advocate or promote gun control.”

http://www.highlandernews.org/23802/professor-discovers-link-gun-ownership-higher-rates-suicide/

[Nuclear Unicorn]

1. So once again the tactic of looking at gun-related rates rather than rates overall.

It's as if controllers don't actually care about deaths but merely the manner in which death occurs.

[Duckhunter935]

2. He has been on the google a lot again

[DonP]

4. Somebody must be compensating for something

Since the numbers, laws and public opinion aren't going their way, maybe they think the sheer weight and number of "cut and pastes" will change hearts, minds and reality?

... and the violent crime numbers continue to drop

[ileus]

3. So guns do kill people....well kinda.

[sarisataka]

5. Funny (strange not haha)

He wants the CDC to be allowed to collect data on suicide and firearm ownership. But right in the Abstract it says:

Suicide and firearm ownership information was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[Duckhunter935]

10. Lol

[Straw Man]

6. Um ...

... the comparably lower gun suicide rates in countries with stricter gun regulations ...

He has discovered that one can't commit suicide with a gun if one doesn't have a gun. I'm stunned. Stunned.

[sarisataka]

8. Well if he studied overall rates

He wouldn't get the results he wants.

This is a perfect example of why the restriction was put on the CDC. Studies that are focused solely on supporting and promoting gun control, ignoring other factors of what the study is allegedly about. I noticed in the article he is not concerned about making changes that affects suicide but getting a Constitutional Amendment to end "people's fixation on guns".

[virginia mountainman]

7. What about the connection between suicide..

And Japanese automobile sales??



Any ideas to help with the problem of Japanese car sales??

[jmg257]

9. Sucks it costs $$ to read this. Basic point seems to be impulse vs planned suicides.

"Loaded and unlocked firearms within reach become risk factors for fatal outcomes from suicidal behavior."

Makes sense.

At least it's not along the lines of 'owning guns make people want to kill themselves'.