Ohio State nav bar

Study shows link between carrying a gun and risk-taking behavior

September 7, 2017

Study shows link between carrying a gun and risk-taking behavior

Brad Bushman

Professor Brad Bushman was featured for his research efforts regarding the weapons effect in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. Bushman’s study supported that people drive more aggressively when a gun is present in their vehicle.

His research was conducted on 60 university students who completed a questionnaire followed by a driving simulator. Though the study was small and exploratory, Bushman noted that its results are consistent with other research that implies that carrying a gun for protection may also be placing oneself at greater risk for harm.