Firearm carrying practices and motivations: A mixed methods study among adults and youth

Abstract

The purpose of this participatory action, mixed methods research study was to identify motivations related to firearm carrying from a qualitative perspective, and then to use quantitative research to characterize the patterns of motivations around carrying. Qualitative interview participants were 249 individuals aged 13 to 86 (68% male; 52% Black). About 52% identified as firearm owners; 48% lived in a high‐violence area. A nationally representative sample of 1674 adults (50% female; M _age  = 48 years old; 61.4% White; 39% household firearm owners) and a sample of 834 youth in the Southeastern United States (53% male; M _age  = 16 years old; 46% White) participated in surveys. Qualitative reasons for carrying included protection for self or others, exercising rights, carrying as default, and carrying in perceived unsafe situations. Reasons for not carrying included general lack of need to carry; belief that guns increase risk; external regulation; and discomfort with guns. Latent class analysis of adults and youth indicated distinct patterns of motivations for carrying and not carrying, with a Rights & Protection class carrying at the highest frequency. Multisystemic prevention programs may leverage existing motivations against carrying and address motivations for carrying in order to reduce risky carrying.