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Gun Ownership and Life Satisfaction in the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Terrence D. Hill
  • Benjamin Dowd‐Arrow
  • Amy M. Burdette
  • Tara D. Warner

Abstract

Objective Although there is little empirical evidence linking gun ownership with personal well‐being, speculation is widespread in gun culture. In this article, we test whether people who own guns are more or less satisfied with their lives than people who do not own guns. Methods We employ data collected from three national surveys, the Baylor Religion Survey (2014), the Chapman University Survey on American Fears (2014), and the General Social Survey (2018) to formally assess this understudied association. Results In adjusted models, gun ownership was unrelated to life satisfaction. This general pattern was consistent across surveys, different measures and specifications of life satisfaction, and a wide range of subgroups. Conclusion Our analyses contribute to the growing study of gun ownership and personal well‐being and challenge theoretical perspectives and cultural narratives about how owning a gun can contribute favorably to one's quality of life.

Suggested Citation

  • Terrence D. Hill & Benjamin Dowd‐Arrow & Amy M. Burdette & Tara D. Warner, 2020. "Gun Ownership and Life Satisfaction in the United States," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 101(5), pages 2121-2136, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:101:y:2020:i:5:p:2121-2136
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12860
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    1. Testa, Alexander & Tsai, Jack, 2023. "Loneliness and firearm acquisition among low-income U.S. veterans: Findings from the National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences (NV-HOPE) study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 338(C).

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