Uncertainty and Firearms: Obtaining Secure Storage
A Brief Fear of Uncertainty-Focused Intervention as an Adjunct to Lethal Means Counseling
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility 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
About the study
The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether inclusion of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for Uncertainty-Enhanced (CUE) with Lethal Means Counseling (LMC) is acceptable, feasible, and efficacious in addressing secure firearm storage and associated psychological constructs in active duty servicemembers. The clinical trial aims to:
* Assess the preliminary efficacy of a LMC intervention, augmented with CUE, on firearm storage practices * Examine mechanisms through which CUE and LMC increase firearm storage practices * Assess credibility and acceptability of LMC
Participants will complete:
* One baseline visit * Two intervention sessions-CUE and LMC * Six brief surveys per day for 28 days using a mobile application * One mid-point survey and five follow-up surveys
What is being tested
- Lethal Means Counseling (LMC) (behavioral)
- CBT for Uncertainty - Enhanced (CUE) (behavioral)
Sponsor: Ohio State University · Participants: 100 · Started: Jun 26, 2023
Contact the study team
- Nicholas Allan, PhD · Phone: 614-814-1299
- Sarah Irvin, MS · Phone: 614-814-1318
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05818696
Locations in the U.S.
| Ohio | Ohio State University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Columbus |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.