Reducing exposure to violence may be one way to disrupt cycles of violence among teenagers, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Michigan.
Teenagers who witness violence in various forms are more likely than those who don't to carry a firearm, researchers at U-M's Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention in collaboration with the Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens Consortium found. That exposure to violence doesn't necessarily need to involve a gun, the study found.
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The researchers concluded that in order to reduce firearm possession among teens, it is critical to also reduce exposure to violence in all forms.
"These findings are an example of why research on firearm-related behavior is essential to creating safer communities throughout the state and country," said Marc Zimmerman, co-director of the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention and a professor of public health and psychology.
