Gun violence

- Complex environmental, situational and individual factors lead to gun violence.
- Access to guns tends to increase lethality of violence.
- Stockpiling guns is a common factor among perpetrators of mass shootings.
- Risk factors for suicide and homicide are similar.
- The association of guns with masculinity are reinforced and by the media.

Drawing on the World Health Organization's ecological model, this review explores how contextual and institutional factors shape individual choice and behavior with respect to gun violence. Young men are disproportionately represented among both perpetrators and victims of violence. Although specific characteristics and behaviors present risks, these vary with the specific forms of violence. There is ample international research that suggests the availability of guns increases the risk of lethal violence. When guns are present, suicide attempts are more likely to succeed and assaults are more likely to become homicides. Some research has indicated that stockpiling guns and the fascination with guns is an indicator of antisocial behavior. Broad social, cultural, and political forces both shape and reflect guns violence.