Student perceptions and practices regarding carrying concealed handguns on university campuses

J Am Coll Health. 2013;61(5):243-53. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2013.799478.

Abstract

Objective: This multisite study assessed college student's perceptions and practices regarding carrying concealed handguns on campus.

Participants: Undergraduate students from 15 public midwestern universities were surveyed (N = 1,800).

Methods: Faculty members distributed the questionnaire to students in general education classes or classes broadly representative of undergraduate students.

Results: Useable questionnaires were returned by 1,649 students (92%). The majority (78%) of students was not supportive of concealed handguns on campuses, and 78% claimed that they would not obtain a permit to carry a handgun on campus, if it were legal. Those who perceived more disadvantages to carrying handguns on campus were females, who did not own firearms, did not have a firearm in the home growing up, and were not concerned with becoming a victim of crime.

Conclusions: The majority of students was not supportive of concealed handguns on campus and claimed that they would not feel safer if students and faculty carried concealed handguns.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Crime / prevention & control
  • Crime / psychology
  • Female
  • Firearms / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Firearms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Perception
  • Policy
  • Sex Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universities*
  • Young Adult