Improving secure firearm storage for military servicemembers
A Brief Fear of Uncertainty-Focused Intervention as an Adjunct to Lethal Means Counseling
This study is testing a new approach that combines therapy and counseling to help active duty servicemembers store their firearms more safely and reduce the risk of suicide.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT05818696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining cognitive behavioral therapy for uncertainty (CUE) with lethal means counseling (LMC) to improve secure firearm storage practices among active duty servicemembers. Participants will undergo two intervention sessions and complete multiple surveys over a 28-day period to assess changes in their firearm storage behaviors and the psychological factors influencing these behaviors. The study seeks to address the high rates of firearm-related suicides in the military by enhancing existing counseling methods with a focus on managing uncertainty.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are active duty servicemembers or recent veterans who own firearms and struggle with uncertainty.
Not a fit: Patients who do not own firearms or have severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of firearm-related suicides among servicemembers by promoting safer storage practices.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using lethal means counseling to improve firearm storage practices, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * are currently serving in any Branch or Component of the U.S. military, or were discharged from the U.S. military within the past 90 days * 18 years or older * Intolerance of uncertainty scale-12 total score equal to or greater than 35 (i.e., one SD above the community mean) * own at least one firearm located in their home or vehicle that is stored unlocked and loaded (i.e., not secure storage) * are able to speak and understand the English language Exclusion Criteria: * do not pass the Informed Decision Making Capacity (IDMC) screener, suggesting severe cognitive impairment * have a psychiatric or medical condition that would prevent them from providing informed consent or from participating in the treatments (e.g., psychosis, mania, acute intoxication) * no or limited access to an Android or Apple smartphone that is compatible with the EMA application
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio
- Ohio State University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nicholas Allan, PhD
- Email: nicholas.allan@osumc.edu
- Phone: 614-814-1299
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.