Citation

Monteith LL, Holliday R, Dorsey Holliman BA, Brenner LA, Simonetti JA. J. Clin. Psychol. (Hoboken) 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Hospital Medicine Group, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/jclp.22952

PMID

32227687

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Although firearms are the leading suicide means among female veterans, firearm research in this population remains limited. This study explored female veterans' firearm-related experiences and perspectives.

METHOD: Sixteen cisgender female veterans (ages 27-69) participated in qualitative interviews.

RESULTS: Participants gained initial firearm knowledge and exposure in childhood and adolescence through older male family members. Military service led to broader exposure to firearms, which were perceived as important for survival and protection in a male-dominated environment, predominantly due to the risk for sexual violence. Following military service, the desire for self-protection motivated firearm ownership and storage practices. Participants perceived trust as essential to firearm discussions, preferring for family members to initiate such conversations.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight into the context in which female veterans' firearm-related beliefs and practices develop. Interpersonal factors and various lifespan experiences appear to play a vital role in female veterans' firearm access, ownership, and storage practices.

© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en

Keywords

female veterans; firearm; interpersonal violence; suicide