Predictors of fear of crime: general fear versus perceived risk

Abstract

Much of the literature on fear of crime (FOC) has focused on the role of risk perceptions in understanding FOC, with little consideration given to psychological factors not directly related to crime, but that can impact the levels of FOC. This study introduces general fear (GF) as an explanatory factor in understanding FOC. A proportional random sample of 1,197 respondents was obtained from 406 enumeration districts across Trinidad. The results revealed GF as the strongest predictor of FOC across ethnicity, sex, age, area of residence, and victim status. Explanations and areas for further investigation are offered.

Fear and Perceived Likelihood of Victimization in Traditional and Cyber Settings

“…This supports our hypothesis and matches previous findings of gender differences (e.g., Chadee & Ying, 2013;Ferraro, 1996;Gainey et al, 2011;Lee, 2007;Jackson, 2009;Lee & Hilinski-Rosick, 2012;Sutton et al, 2011). It also confirms that gender effects can be expected in both traditional and cyber settings, confirming an observation from traditional studies.…”

“…Researchers have suggested that perceived likelihood of victimization is influenced by personal, social and cognitive factors (Chadee & Ying, 2013). Two related traits are particularly interesting in this debate, self-efficacy (e.g., Ashby & Kottman, 2000;Jackson, 2009;Kokkinos & Kipritsi, 2011;Thijs & Verkuyten, 2008) and self-esteem (e.g., Blascovich & Tomaka, 1991).…”

“…We build on previous work that has considered the psychological perspective and predictors of fear of victimization and perceived likelihood (e.g., Chadee & Ying, 2013;Jackson, 2009). In addition, we wanted to examine basic premises about the role of demographics in order to establish a starting point for future work examining effects in traditional as well as cyber settings.…”

“…These groups, also including young girls, may also be more sensitive to, and aware of risk (see Pederson, 2013). Women in particular express greater levels of fear of crime than males (Chadee & Ying, 2013;Ferraro, 1996;Gainey et al, 2011;Lee, 2007;Lee & Hilinski-Rosick, 2012;Ozascilar, 2013;Sutton, Robinson & Farrall, 2011). For example, Box et al (1988) found that 50% of women in their sample expressed fear compared to 14% of men.…”

Unhealthy fear: Influence of general health on fear of crime

“…While this viewpoint emphasizes these feelings, it notably does not dismiss the contribution of perceived risk of victimization (De Donder et al, ). In their study comparing perceived risk to general fear, Chadee and Ng Ying () found that while general fear was a stronger predictor of fear of crime, victimization risk was also a significant predictor, a finding consistent with Chadee, Ng Ying, Chadee, and Heath ().…”