Commentary on the effects of home guns on adolescent depression 

A large longitudinal cohort study of adolescents by Kim in Social Science & Medicine found that gaining easy access to a firearm in the home was associated with increased depression among girls and increased fear in schools.  In a Commentary, David Hemenway discussed many relevant studies (e.g., a meta-analysis of 78 studies found that the mere presence of weapons increases aggressive thought, hostile appraisals and actual aggression.  He concluded: “My hope is that Kim’s 2018 study of the psychological effects of gun ownership will be a seminal investigation, leading to increased interest in the psychological effects–both positive and negative–of firearms on all members of the household, as well as members of the surrounding community.”  The commentary, “Easy home gun access and adolescent depression” was published in Social Science & Medicine.