(PS10-90) Mental Health Characteristics Associated with Firearm Access Among Veterans Seeking Treatment for Military Sexual Trauma Sequelae

Suicide is the thirteenth cause of death among veterans, with firearms as the leading method. To address this public health concern, there remains a need to identify factors associated with firearm access, especially among at-risk subsets of veteran communities, such as those who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). Nonetheless, examination of the intersection of MST and firearm access remains limited. This study examined psychological factors associated with firearm access among 522 veterans seeking treatment for MST-related mental health concerns. Over one-third (38.5%; n = 201) endorsed household firearms access. Hyperarousal, alterations in mood/cognition, and trauma-related beliefs about self were inversely associated with firearm access. Conversely, no significant differences were detected in depressive symptoms, worrying, or beliefs related to safety or blame between those with and without firearm access. Our findings may suggest that, for some MST survivors, firearm access serves as a safety behavior, potentially temporarily reducing trauma-related mood, cognitions, and hyperarousal symptoms. Nonetheless, as these behaviors likely prolong PTSD symptoms in the long-term, it is important to consider MST survivors’ beliefs and firearm access early in the treatment and lethal means safety process.