Distal factors in risk perception

Abstract

This is an empirical and quantitative study of the validity of four kinds of distal explanatory factors in risk perception. In an initial study, personality constructs (Five Factor Model, Myers-Briggs Indicator of Jungian constructs and risk attitudes) were related to risk perception data (26 hazards). A relationship was found between emotional stability and risk perception, but none with Jungian constructs. One risk attitude dimension, 'Macho' risk willingness, was (negatively) related to demand for governmental risk mitigation. In a second study with a different sample, indices were constructed to measure the four World Views according to Cultural Theory (CT) as well as Group/Grid dimensions, New Age beliefs and the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) dimensions of Dunlap et al . Risk perception data were obtained with regard to 37 hazards, both general and personal risk. The respondents were a large representative sample of the Swedish population. Only about 5% of the variance of perceived risk was accounted for by Cultural Theory dimensions, considerably more by New Age beliefs and one of the NEP scales (eco-crisis). In a third study, data from the five Nordic countries were used to analyse the relationships between CT dimensions and risk perception. Only weak relations were found. The results are discussed in relation to other current work on models of risk perception and the question of what should be considered 'strong' evidence for a theory.

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