Alignment between self- and perceived peer support for specific firearm policies: Results from a representative survey of adults in nine U.S. states

Abstract

Objective

Despite widespread support for various firearm policies, minimal progress has been made in enacting these policies. One potential explanation is the misperception of peer support for firearm policies among individuals with differing political beliefs.

Methods

A representative sample (n = 7529) of adults from nine states was recruited via KnowledgePanel and completed a self-report survey between June 13 and July 10, 2023.

Results

There was bipartisan support for several firearm policies regulating the acquisition and use of firearms, although liberal participants more heavily supported restrictive policies. Minimal differences emerged in terms of perceived peer support for specific policies among supporters of those policies. For example, 96.1 % of liberals, 87.2 % of moderates, and 86.0 % of conservatives supported background check laws (p < .001; V = 0.10). Of those that supported background check laws, 65.7 % of liberals, 67.7 % of moderates, and 69.7 % of conservatives believed that their peers supported background checks as much as they did (p = .146).

Conclusions

Misperceptions about peer support for firearm policies may not explain the gap between the reported bipartisan support for firearm regulations and the lack of demand for such policies. Without greater clarity on the obstacles to bipartisan vocal demand for firearm regulations, such policies are unlikely to pass, despite broad bipartisan support for many such policies. Future work must identify mechanisms driving this disparity in order to provide a path for policy progress.