Jayna Moceri-Brooks

Faculty

Moceri-Brooks Headshot

Jayna Moceri-Brooks

PhD RN

1 212 998 9002

433 First Ave
New York, NY 10010
United States

Jayna Moceri-Brooks's additional information

Jayna Moceri-Brooks, PhD, RN, is a clinical assistant professor.  Her research focuses on firearm injury prevention, combat-related traumatic brain injuries, and risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among service members and Veterans, with a particular focus on military culture. Findings from her research have shaped federal policies aimed at reforming the care and recognition of service members with traumatic brain injuries.

 

Moceri-Brooks is a member of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium at the Rockefeller Institute of Government and serves on the community advisory board of the Harvard/Massachusetts General ReBlast research team. She has also maintained her practice as an Emergency Nurse for over 16 years. 

 

Moceri-Brooks is currently engaged in research projects that examine factors influencing firearm storage practices among Veterans. She also continues to collaborate with members of Congress on policies related to blast overpressure injuries and firearm injury prevention within the military.

 

Prior to joining the faculty at NYU Meyers, Moceri-Brooks was a post-doctoral fellow at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers University where she focused on firearm injury prevention among civilian and military populations and worked across a portfolio of Department of Defense-funded suicide prevention research projects.

PHD, Duquesne University
MA, University of Washington
BSN, Seattle Pacific University

Phi Kappa Phi
Sigma Theta Tau
Transcultural Nursing Society
Society for Prevention Research
The Society of Federal Health Professionals (AMSUS)

Faculty Honors Awards

Duquesne University’s Distinguished Dissertation Honorable Mention Award (2024)
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (2021)
Order of the Family Spur, Fort Cavazos, TX (2020)
Order of Saint Joan D’Arc (2020)
Soldier Family Readiness Group (SFRG) Awards for Volunteer Work (2007) (2008) (2012) (2019) (2020)
Duquesne School of Nursing PhD Scholarship (2019)
SFRG Volunteer of the Month, Fort Cavazos, TX (2019)
SFRG Distinguished Service Award, Fort Cavazos, TX (2019)
Daisy Award for Excellence in Patient Care Delivery (2012)

Publications

Correlates of dangerous firearm storage among a representative sample of firearm owners across nine states

Moceri-Brooks, J., Paruk, J., Semenza, D., & Anestis, M. D. (2024). Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior. 10.1111/sltb.13116
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To identify demographic and behavioral correlates of dangerous firearm storage (i.e., unlocked and loaded) among firearm owners in nine states. Methods: Online survey data from the probability-based sample were collected using Ipsos Knowledge Panel. Participants were adults residing in nine states across the United States (n = 7785). Results: Nearly one third of the firearm owners within the sample stored at least one of their firearms unlocked and loaded. Greater threat sensitivity was associated with dangerous firearm storage. Established firearm owners who purchased an additional firearm during the firearm purchasing surge (2020–2021) had increased odds of storing at least one firearm unlocked and loaded. Those who had direct exposure to firearm violence and those whose primary reason for having a firearm at home was protection also had increased odds of storing at least one firearm unlocked and loaded. Conclusions: The results contribute to the literature on firearm storage tendencies, highlighting correlates of dangerous firearm storage within the home related to perceptions of threat and direct experiences with firearm violence. Implications include the need for broad public education on the value of secure storage targeted toward to those who have an elevated perception of danger and have been personally exposed to firearm violence.

Demographic differences in perceived effectiveness for policies to prevent school shootings: results from a representative survey in New Jersey

Anestis, M., Moceri-Brooks, J., Bond, A., & Semenza, D. (2024). Injury Epidemiology, 11(1). 10.1186/s40621-024-00520-6
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To determine what firearm policies New Jersey residents believe will prevent school shootings and the extent to which this varies by sex, firearm ownership status, and political affiliation. Methods: A representative sample of New Jersey residents (N = 1,018) was collected via the Eagleton Center on Public Interest Polling (ECPIP). Data were weighted to reflect the state's population. Participants were asked to rate how helpful they perceived different firearm-related policies to be for preventing school shootings. Results: Findings indicate that participants perceived universal and expanded background checks, increased mental health funding, and requiring a license for firearm purchases as most effective for preventing school shootings. Arming school personnel, prayer in schools, decreasing the number of entrances at schools, and secure storage requirements were viewed as less effective. Firearm ownership, sex, and political affiliation significantly influenced perceptions of the effectiveness of these policies. Conclusion: The study examined the perceived effectiveness of policies to prevent school shootings. The study highlights disparities and commonalities in policy support among different groups, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to address gun violence in schools.

Determining who military service members deem credible to discuss firearm safety for suicide prevention

Bond, A. E., Moceri-Brooks, J., Bandel, S. L., Crifasi, C., Bryan, C. J., Capron, D. W., Bryan, A. O., & Anestis, M. D. (2024). Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 54(3), 584-592. 10.1111/sltb.13070
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: To examine rankings of credible sources for discussing secure storage within a representative sample of firearm-owning service members, and examine how combinations of demographic variables impact the ranking of credible sources. Methods: The probability-based sample was collected with the help of Ipsos. Participants were US service members who owned a firearm at the time of the survey (n = 719). Results: The total sample ranked service members, Veterans, and members of law enforcement as the most credible sources and faith leaders, casual acquittances, and celebrities as the least credible sources. Black men ranked the NRA as a highly credible source whereas Black females ranked the NRA as one of the least preferred sources. Regardless of political preference, those who lived in non-metropolitan rural environments ranked members of law enforcement as highly credible sources. Those who lived in non-metropolitan rural and urban settings and identified as liberal ranked the National Shooting Sports Foundation as a highly credible source. Conclusions: Law enforcement officers, military members, and Veterans are ranked as highly credible sources by most subgroups of firearm-owning service members. Leveraging these voices in firearm safety conversations is necessary, may increase adherence to secure storage recommendations, and ultimately reduce suicide.

Exploring the use of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire to examine suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Post-9/11 U.S. Combat Veterans: An integrative review

Moceri-Brooks, J., Garand, L., Sekula, L. K., & Joiner, T. E. (2024). Military Psychology, 36(3), 340-352. 10.1080/08995605.2023.2178223
Abstract
Abstract
This integrative review expands on the work of Kramer et al. (2020), by reviewing studies that utilized the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) to examine the interpersonal constructs (thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness) of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS) to understand suicidal thoughts and behaviors among service members and Veterans with combat experience. Very few studies (n = 9) in the literature were identified, however important relationships were revealed between combat exposure/experiences, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among military samples. Studies also reported risk factors for high levels of thwarted belongingness or perceived burdensomeness in military samples, such as moral injuries, betrayal, and aggression. This review highlights the utility of the INQ to measure ITS constructs among Post-9/11 U.S. Combat Veterans.

Female military service members and veterans: Understanding treatment seeking behavior and previous suicide risk among suicide decedents

Bond, A. E., Houtsma, C., Shapiro, M. E., Bandel, S. L., Moceri-Brooks, J., & Anestis, M. D. (2024). Death Studies. 10.1080/07481187.2024.2370468
Abstract
Abstract
To examine the differences in treatment seeking behaviors, previous suicidal thoughts, previous suicide attempts, and disclosure of suicidal thoughts among female service members (SM)/Veteran suicide decedents who used a firearm and those who used another method. Data was acquired from the National Violent Death Reporting System which is maintained and monitored by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Data included in the present study were from suicide deaths that occurred between 2003–2018. Female SM/Veterans who died by firearm suicide had lower proportions of current mental health or substance use treatment, lifetime mental health or substance use treatment, and previous suicide attempts compared to those who used another method. Female SM/Veterans who die by firearm suicide are less likely to encounter mental health services than those who use another method. Conversations on secure firearm storage need to occur outside of the health care setting.

Firearm Access and Gun Violence Exposure among American Indian or Alaska Native and Black Adults

Anestis, M. D., Moceri-Brooks, J., Ziminski, D., Barnes, R. T., & Semenza, D. (2024). JAMA Network Open, E240073. 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0073
Abstract
Abstract
Importance: American Indian or Alaska Native and Black adults experience elevated rates of firearm injury and death, but both groups are severely underrepresented in research on firearm exposure and behaviors. Objective: To explore geodemographic differences in firearm behaviors and violence exposure among American Indian or Alaska Native and Black adults in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this survey study, nationally representative samples of American Indian or Alaska Native and/or Black adults recruited from KnowledgePanel were surveyed cross-sectionally. Surveys were administered online between April 12 and May 4, 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Firearm access, storage, and carrying behaviors and lifetime firearm violence exposure were the primary outcomes. Demographic factors such as age, geographic location, and political affiliation were considered. Data were weighted to geodemographic distributions from the US Census Bureau's 2022 Current Population Survey. Results: Of 3542 participants, 527 (14.9%) were American Indian or Alaska Native (280 [53.1%] female) and 3015 (85.1%) were Black (1646 [54.6%] female). Both groups exhibited high firearm access rates (American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 238 [45.4%; 95% CI, 39.4%-51.7%]; Black adults: 909 [30.4%; 95% CI, 28.0%-32.9%]), predominantly owning handguns for home protection. The groups demonstrated similar firearm storage patterns, and a substantial proportion endorsed always or almost always carrying firearms outside the home (American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 18.9%; Black adults: 15.2%). Self-protection was a common reason for carrying a firearm (American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 104 [84.9%; 95% CI, 74.1%-91.7%]; Black adults: 350 [88.3%; 95% CI, 82.3%-92.4%]), and a minority of participants cited lack of faith in the police (American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 19 [15.2%; 95% CI, 8.2%-26.7%]; Black adults: 61 [15.4%; 95% CI, 10.3%-21.2%]), indicating potential shifts in public safety dynamics. Conclusions and Relevance: In this survey study of American Indian or Alaska Native and Black US adults, a substantial percentage of both groups reported living in homes with firearms, storing firearms loaded and unlocked, frequently carrying firearms outside the home, and having been exposed directly and indirectly to gun violence. These findings underscore the need for nuanced public health campaigns and policies and highlight challenges for law enforcement in contexts of racial disparities and changing legal frameworks..

Military community engagement to prevent firearm-related violence: adaptation of project safe guard for service members

Kennedy, S. R., Buck-Atkinson, J., Moceri-Brooks, J., Johnson, M. L., Anestis, M. D., Carrington, M., Baker, J. C., Fisher, M. E., Nease, D. E., Bryan, A. B. O., Bryan, C. J., & Betz, M. E. (2024). Injury Epidemiology, 11(1). 10.1186/s40621-024-00490-9
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Suicide, especially by firearm, remains a leading cause of death in military populations in the USA. Reducing access to firearms, especially during high risk times, may help prevent suicide and other forms of violence. The purpose of this study was to adapt a promising existing lethal means safety intervention (Project Safe Guard, PSG) for cross-cutting violence prevention and peer support in active-duty service communities using community engagement methods. Methods: A two-pronged community-engaged research approach was employed, including the Community Translation (CT) process that engaged 15 Service Members from one installation to help adapt PSG successfully. In addition, qualitative data was collected from 40 active-duty service members and military violence prevention specialists through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Results: Qualitative data and CT feedback led to site-specific PSG adaptations. Participants emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer discussions and highlighted resource allocation, leadership support, and stigma on firearm ownership as potential implementation challenges. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate the feasibility of community-engaged research to adapt lethal means safety interventions within military populations. PSG implementation should consider resource allocation, leadership support, and addressing stigma. This study has implications for future policies and standards for performing research on sensitive topics, particularly among military populations.

Perceptions of the utility of secure firearm storage methods as a suicide prevention tool among firearm owners who currently store their firearms loaded and unlocked

Anestis, M. D., Bond, A. E., Moceri-Brooks, J., Bandel, S. L., & Semenza, D. (2024). Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 54(1), 122-128. 10.1111/sltb.13023
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Although secure firearm storage can prevent firearm injury and death, secure storage is relatively rare. This tendency may be driven in part by a perceived lack of utility for secure storage in preventing suicide and other gun violence-related outcomes. Method: We recruited a large (n = 3510) representative sample of residents from five US states and assessed the degree to which those who do and do not store their firearms securely perceive different utility in specific firearm storage practices for suicide prevention. To test for specificity, we examined if those differences hold when considering unintentional shooting and firearm theft prevention. Results: Those who currently store their firearms unsecured reported lower perceived utility in several firearm storage practices, particularly for suicide and theft prevention. Conclusions: Our findings highlight that a lack of perceived utility in secure firearm storage may partially drive unsecure firearm storage. Efforts to promote secure storage must address this misperception.

Project Safe Guard: Challenges and opportunities of a universal rollout of peer-delivered lethal means safety counseling at a US military installation

Stanley, I. H., Anestis, M. D., Bryan, C. J., Moceri-Brooks, J., Baker, J. C., Buck-Atkinson, J., Bryan, A. B. O., Johnson, M., Hunter, K., Johnson, R. L., Xiao, M., & Betz, M. E. (2024). Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 54(3), 489-500. 10.1111/sltb.13050
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: The US Department of Defense recommends lethal means safety counseling (LMSC) to promote firearm injury prevention via secure storage of personal firearms. We describe the rollout of a universal, peer-delivered adaptation of Project Safe Guard (PSG)—a brief, single-session LMSC discussion—at a US Space Force installation. Method: Program evaluation data were collected via anonymous, voluntary, and online surveys. Of approximately 862 eligible active-duty service members and embedded civilians, 324 completed the preprogram survey and 68 and 37 completed the 1- and 2-month follow-ups, respectively. Results: At preprogram, 69.1% agreed that peer-delivered LMSC is appropriate. After rollout, 100% of the 222 firearm locking devices available to service members were requested from the on-base Violence Prevention Integrator. The effectiveness of PSG was indeterminable due to the low survey response rates. Conclusions: Despite strong preprogram support for peer-delivered LMSC and behavioral indicators of secure firearm storage (e.g., firearm locking device requests), several challenges limited the uptake and evaluability of the PSG program in this naturalistic environment, including military survey fatigue and competing mission priorities. Additional work is needed to determine the effectiveness of peer-delivered LMSC in a military context. Sustained base support and military-civilian collaborations will be critical.

The Purple Heart and suicide risk in Post-9/11 U.S. Army Combat Veterans with a traumatic brain injury: A mixed methods study

Moceri-Brooks, J., Garand, L., Sekula, L. K., Zoucha, R., & Joiner, T. (2024). Military Psychology, 36(4), 443-455. 10.1080/08995605.2023.2204790
Abstract
Abstract
Active service members and Veterans with a combat-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) are four times more likely to attempt suicide than those without a TBI. TBIs are the signature injuries of the Post-9/11 conflicts and Combat Veterans (i.e., current and former service members who deployed in support of a combat mission) with these injuries are entitled to receive the Purple Heart medal. However, potentially tens of thousands of Combat Veterans did not receive, or were denied the Purple Heart during the first decade of the Global War on Terrorism because a TBI was not documented during the deployment. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the meaning of the Purple Heart and examine the impact of the Purple Heart on Army Combat Veterans with a combat-related TBI. Findings from this mixed methods study revealed that not receiving the Purple Heart is associated with increased suicide risk and lower quality of life after a brain injury. Additionally, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and perceived military institutional betrayal are associated with increased suicide risk in Army Combat Veterans with a TBI. This mixed methods study provides important insights into how Army culture is perceived and the power of the Purple Heart among this high-risk group of Combat Veterans.

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