Folly Beach, South Carolina – A recent study conducted by Health Affairs revealed that firearms have become the leading cause of child deaths in the United States as of 2024. Partnered with Northwell Health, Stacker examined the effects of nonfatal firearm injuries on young survivors. Research on gun violence has experienced a resurgence after the Dickey Amendment, which barred such research and funding for over a decade, was passed in 1997. The importance of this research is evident as 120 people die from firearms, and over 200 are injured by them daily in the US, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Contrary to popular belief fueled by media sensationalism, mass shootings only make up a small fraction of all gun-related fatalities in the country. The realities of gun violence encompass suicide, community violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and hate crimes. In fact, nearly 1 million women in the US have faced intimate partner violence involving firearms, as reported by the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund.
Studies have shown that survivors of gun violence, especially children and adolescents, experience a myriad of physical and mental health issues post-injury. The Health Affairs study found that these survivors are at a higher risk of pain disorders, psychiatric disorders, and substance use disorders compared to those who haven’t experienced firearm injuries. Moreover, the impact extends to the parents of these survivors, who also reported increased rates of psychiatric disorders and mental health visits.
The aftermath of gun violence often results in long-term psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Survivors frequently exhibit hypervigilance and fear, leading to behaviors such as avoiding leaving their homes and experiencing anticipatory stress reactions triggered by the fear of another shooting incident. The toll on their psychosocial, medical, and mental health is significant, as noted by experts in the field of trauma and mental health.
Access to adequate care for survivors of gun violence remains a challenge, especially when services are not covered by insurance. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of children and adolescents injured by firearms do not receive mental health care within six months of the incident. Racial disparities exist within access to care, with non-Hispanic Black youth being less likely to receive mental health follow-up than their non-Hispanic white counterparts.
The study published in Health Affairs based its research on commercial insurance data, which limited its scope to individuals with insurance through the state or federal government. As a result, the findings may underestimate the full impact of gun violence, including suicide fatalities. On the other hand, survivors of gun violence may develop a sense of invincibility, leading to risky behaviors like drug use, according to experts in the field.
In conclusion, the research on the consequences of firearm injuries sheds light on the far-reaching impacts of gun violence on survivors and their families. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive support and care for individuals affected by gun violence, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the physical and mental health aspects of recovery.