Childhood gun socialization among college-educated youth: Shaping adult attitudes

Abstract

This study examines childhood gun socialization and its effect on adulthood gun-related attitudes. The study addresses age of initial gun exposure, sources of initial gun exposure (i.e. parents, siblings, peers), as well as perceptions of firearm experiences during childhood. Data were collected from 298 college students via a 95-item web survey. Findings indicated that an earlier age of first exposure to firearms, as well as gun exposure stemming from a peer, were associated with more pro-gun attitudes during adulthood. Observation of peer gun use was associated with inconsistency of gun attitudes over time. Firearm injury of oneself, a close friend, or family member was also associated with inconsistency over time.