Poster #235 - Tipping Points of Gun Violence: Why Does Someone Choose to Start Carrying a Gun?

• In Event: ASC Poster Session I

Abstract

Gun violence is a public health crisis in the U.S., accounting for a significant portion of deaths among young adults, especially young Black men. This study proposes a novel investigation into the tipping points that lead individuals to carry and use handguns. Drawing from theories in psychology and criminology, this study aims to understand proximal causes of gun carrying and use among 18-25-year-olds. Through the use of in-depth qualitative interviews and grounded theory, the tipping points that precede the decision to carry/use guns will be identified. Preliminary results from initial interviews currently suggest three major themes in these proximal causes: safety concerns, family influences, and unalterable beliefs. In other words, young adults carry guns because they feel unsafe and because guns were commonplace within their family growing up, and they state that nothing would make them change their mind about carrying a gun, including policy changes. Data collection is ongoing, and data collection and analysis will be completed before September 2025, so that this poster will report on final results. Ultimately, the findings from this study can lead to more effective intervention strategies and improve public health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable communities.

Author

• Kaylie Alexis Williams, Bowling Green State University