Applying Behavioral Economics to Enhance Safe Firearm Storage

Abstract

Behavioral economics applies key principles from psychology and economics to address obstacles to behavior change. The important topic of pediatric firearm injuries has not yet been explored through a behavioral economic lens. Pediatric firearm-related injuries are a significant public health problem in the United States. Despite American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines advising that firearms be stored unloaded, in a locked box or with a locking device, and separate from ammunition, estimates suggest that ∼4.6 million children live in homes with at least 1 loaded and unlocked firearm. In this article, we use behavioral economic theory to identify specific cognitive biases (ie, present bias; in-group, out-group bias; and the availability heuristic) that may influence parental decision-making around firearm storage. We illustrate situations in which these biases may occur and highlight implementation prompts, in-group messengers, and increased salience as behaviorally informed strategies that may counter these biases and subsequently enhance safe firearm storage. We also describe other opportunities to leverage the behavioral economic tool kit. By better understanding the individual behavioral levers that may impact decision-making around firearm storage, behavioral scientists, pediatric providers, and public health practitioners can partner to design and test tailored interventions aimed at decreasing pediatric firearm injuries. Further empirical study is warranted to identify the presence of specific biases and heuristics and determine the most effective behavior change strategies for different subpopulations.

Circumstances Contributing to Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Worker Death by Suicide

“…There was no difference between firearm type, storage, and ownership and suicides, comparing IMR workers with workers from other occupations. Although we did not find an occupation-specific difference in firearm storage or ownership, this finding does not dispute the importance of safely storing firearms as a strategy to deter suicide attempts because firearms are the primary weapon used to commit a suicide among men 18–21 …”

“…Although we did not find an occupation-specific difference in firearm storage or ownership, this finding does not dispute the importance of safely storing firearms as a strategy to deter suicide attempts because firearms are the primary weapon used to commit a suicide among men. [18][19][20][21] This study has several strengths. First, this is one of the first studies to examine risk factors related to death by suicide among IMR workers, an occupation group at elevated risk for suicide.…”

“…17 Little is known about firearm-related suicides in the IMR occupational group, but previous studies examining firearm-related suicides in the US population have indicated that firearm ownership, storage, and type of firearm are risk factors for suicide. [18][19][20][21] A potential explanation for the higher rate of suicide observed for IMR workers may be differences in firearm ownership and storage.…”

Fractures in Children Due to Firearm Activity

“…This confirms and supports the need for firearms in the home to be safely stored and locked and away from children [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. It has been estimated that even in 2020 that 4.6 million US children live in homes with at least one loaded and unlocked firearm [ 47 ]. The issue of gun ownership is very emotional in the US population, and in a recent study [ 48 ] gun owners with children were more likely than those without children to feel that guns make them feel more valuable to their families.…”

Firearms, Physicians, Families, and Kids: Finding Words that Work

“…35 Despite this increased risk, and the evidence supporting lethal means safety as an effective suicide prevention strategy, [36][37][38] homes with greater risk youth are not more likely to store firearms in safer ways compared with homes without greater-risk youth. 32,39,40 This is likely due to caregivers underestimating their child's risk of suicide 41 or access to home firearms. 40 For suicide prevention, "means safety" is preferred to "means restriction," with improved intended uptake with the former.…”