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Predictors of fear of crime: general fear versus perceived risk
Author(s) -
Chadee Derek,
Ng Ying Nikita K.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1559-1816
pISSN - 0021-9029
DOI - 10.1111/jasp.12207
Subject(s) - fear of crime , psychology , residence , social psychology , ethnic group , risk perception , perception , sample (material) , demography , sociology , chemistry , chromatography , neuroscience , anthropology
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.