Fear of Crime: Personal Concerns and Generalized Worries

• In Event: Understanding Perceptions: Novel Methodological Approaches

Abstract

Research indicates several social and demographic factors are related to perceived risk of victimization and fear of crime. Prior studies also reveal that fear of crime is affected by the perceived seriousness of offenses. The existing research, however, has not examined the publics’ general fear of crime in light of a particular criminal event. Using a randomized experimental design, this study seeks to determine to what extent general concern about crime is influenced by a specific criminal event.

Authors

• Heather Ouellette, University of South Carolina

• Brandon Applegate, University of South Carolina

• Mateja Vuk, University of South Carolina

• Riane M. Bolin, Radford University

• Eva Aizpurúa, University of Castilla La Mancha