In the year 2020, when the world was grappling with Covid-19 lockdowns, protests, economic uncertainty, and social isolation, Americans surprisingly engaged in a shopping frenzy. However, their purchases were not centered around consumer goods or luxury items, but rather firearms. A staggering 22 million guns were sold in that year alone, reflecting a 64 percent increase compared to 2019. What’s even more concerning is that over eight million of these guns were bought by first-time owners with no prior experience in firearm ownership, as stated by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Unfortunately, this surge in gun sales also coincided with a rise in firearm homicides. In 2020, the number of firearm-related homicides increased to 19,350 from 14,392 in the previous year. The overall death count from guns, including suicides, reached 45,222 in 2020, compared to 39,702 in 2019. Shockingly, the number of lives lost to guns rose again in 2021, reaching 48,830. This alarming trend prompted Congress to finally allocate millions of dollars to federal agencies for the purpose of conducting research on gun violence.
Social psychologists have delved into the reasons behind this surge in gun purchases, the motivations of buyers, and the potential behavioral changes that come with owning a firearm. Surprisingly, a significant number of Americans who had never owned a gun decided to purchase firearms between January 2019 and April 2021. According to estimates from Harvard and Northeastern University, out of the 7.5 million first-time gun buyers during this period, 5.4 million had previously lived in households without guns. This suggests a shift in the demographics of gun owners, as women and people of color accounted for half of the new gun buyers.
The primary reason cited by Americans for purchasing guns is self-defense. Organizations like the National Rifle Association and National Shooting Sports Foundation argue that owning a gun is not only a constitutional right but also a necessary means of protection. A study conducted during the early stages of the pandemic revealed that individuals planning to buy a firearm were more likely to view the world as dangerous and perceive threats more strongly compared to those not planning a purchase. This fear of uncertainty and belief in the need for personal security was reflected in their agreement with statements like “People can’t be trusted” and “You need to watch your back.”
The study also indicated that the fear surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic played a significant role in motivating gun purchases. Essential workers, who were more exposed to the virus, were particularly inclined to buy guns. Disturbingly, those planning to purchase a firearm were also more likely to have suicidal thoughts, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health concerns within this demographic.
It is important to note that a significant proportion of gun deaths in the United States are the result of suicides, accounting for more than half of all gun-related deaths. While firearm owners are not inherently more likely to have suicidal thoughts, first-time gun buyers during the surge were found to have a higher likelihood of harboring such thoughts. The presence of a gun in a household increases the risk of suicide, especially if the firearm remains in the home for an extended period of time. Furthermore, families with teenagers who kept a loaded and unlocked firearm were found to be more prone to purchasing additional firearms during the pandemic, placing them at a higher risk of gun injuries.
Interestingly, for some individuals, guns provide a sense of comfort. Psychological studies have shown that human touch can be soothing, providing relief during distressing situations. Psychologist Nick Buttrick conducted a study to determine whether firearms could provide a similar sense of comfort to gun owners, effectively acting as a psychological security blanket. Participants who grew up in gun-owning households reported feeling more at ease when holding a replica firearm, while those unfamiliar with guns experienced heightened anxiety in the presence of such objects.
Despite the emphasis on safe handling and storage of firearms by organizations like the NRA, research has consistently shown that easy access to guns does not make households safer. On the contrary, gun ownership increases the risk of both suicides and homicides. Public health officials have been criticized for failing to effectively communicate these risks to the American population.
Furthermore, carrying a gun can significantly alter how a person perceives threats. The concept of gun embodiment suggests that an armed individual is more likely to perceive others as armed, leading to heightened feelings of threat and a greater inclination to respond defensively. Stereotypes and emotions can influence a person’s ability to correctly identify a gun, leading to potentially fatal misunderstandings in situations involving law enforcement.
In conclusion, the surge in gun sales during the tumultuous year of 2020 revealed shifts in the demographics of gun owners, with millions of Americans purchasing firearms for the first time. Fear, self-defense, and the need for personal security were the motivating factors behind these purchases. However, it is crucial to address the mental health concerns associated with gun ownership, particularly among first-time buyers who have experienced a surge in suicidal thoughts. Ensuring safe storage and heightened awareness of the risks of gun ownership is essential. Additionally, the perception-altering effects of carrying a gun should be carefully considered, particularly in relation to law enforcement interactions.
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