Emotions, such as fear, influence levels of risk perception


30.09.2018

In terms of the psychometric paradigm, nuclear risk is perceived extremely high on both 'dread' and 'unknown' factors (Slovic, 1987). Studies have demonstrated that the perception of (possible) nuclear hazard is strongly influenced by emotions (Joffe, 2003) and especially strong fear (Fischoff et al., 1978), which is one of the strongest predictors of the level of nuclear risk (Keller et al., 2012; Slovic, Flynn, & Layman, 1991). Siegrist and Sutterlin (2014) stated that when thinking about nuclear risk, people automatically think about radiation and its long-term consequences, which in turn increases the level of perceived risk.

Note: See source document for full reference.


Applicable to: