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Frequency, recency, and variety of gun violence exposure: Implications for mental health and suicide among US adults

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  • Semenza, Daniel C.
  • Bond, Allison E.
  • Ziminski, Devon
  • Anestis, Michael D.

Abstract

Gun violence exposure (GVE) is a pervasive public health issue in the United States, with significant implications for mental health. This study examines the relationship between the frequency and recency of GVE and mental health outcomes including depression, mental health service utilization, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Using a nationally representative sample of 8,009 U.S. adults collected in 2024, we assessed six types of GVE and analyzed their cumulative and temporal effects for mental health. Results demonstrate that both more frequent and more recent GVE are associated with heightened risk for depression, suicide risk, and increased utilization of mental health services. High cumulative exposure is linked to elevated depression, use of health services, and suicidal ideation. Overall, the findings suggest that GVE, even when indirect, has long-lasting and severe mental health implications, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions to address the gap between exposure and mental health care. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the mental health consequences of gun violence and emphasizes the importance of accounting for the frequency, recency, and variety of exposure in public health responses.

Suggested Citation

  • Semenza, Daniel C. & Bond, Allison E. & Ziminski, Devon & Anestis, Michael D., 2025. "Frequency, recency, and variety of gun violence exposure: Implications for mental health and suicide among US adults," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 366(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:366:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625000012
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117672
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Semenza, Daniel C. & Silver, Ian A. & Stansfield, Richard & Bamwine, Patricia, 2024. "Local gun violence, mental health, and sleep: A neighborhood analysis in one hundred US Cities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 351(C).
    2. Magee, Lauren A. & Aalsma, Matthew C. & Fortenberry, J. Dennis & Gharbi, Sami & Wiehe, Sarah E., 2022. "Mental health outcomes from direct and indirect exposure to firearm violence: A cohort study of nonfatal shooting survivors and family members," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    3. repec:plo:pmed00:0040296 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Smith, Melissa E. & Sharpe, Tanya L. & Richardson, Joseph & Pahwa, Rohini & Smith, Dominique & DeVylder, Jordan, 2020. "The impact of exposure to gun violence fatality on mental health outcomes in four urban U.S. settings," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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