IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/wly/riskan/v29y2009i9p1265-1280.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

A Social‐Cognitive Perspective of Terrorism Risk Perception and Individual Response in Canada

Author

Listed:
  • Jennifer E. C. Lee
  • Louise Lemyre

Abstract

The volume of research on terrorism has increased since the events of September 11, 2001. However, efforts to develop a contextualized model incorporating cognitive, social‐contextual, and affective factors as predictors of individual responses to this threat have been limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate a series of hypotheses drawn from such a model that was generated from a series of interviews with members of the Canadian public. Data of a national survey on perceived chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) terrorism threat and preparedness were analyzed. Results demonstrated that worry and behavioral responses to terrorism, such as individual preparedness, information seeking, and avoidance behaviors, were each a function of cognitive and social‐contextual factors. As an affective response, worry about terrorism independently contributed to the prediction of behavioral responses above and beyond cognitive and social‐contextual factors, and partially mediated the relationships of some of these factors with behavioral responses. Perceived coping efficacy emerged as the cognitive factor associated with the most favorable response to terrorism. Hence, findings highlight the importance of fostering a sense of coping efficacy to the effectiveness of strategies aimed at improving individual preparedness for terrorism.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer E. C. Lee & Louise Lemyre, 2009. "A Social‐Cognitive Perspective of Terrorism Risk Perception and Individual Response in Canada," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(9), pages 1265-1280, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:riskan:v:29:y:2009:i:9:p:1265-1280
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2009.01264.x
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6924.2009.01264.x
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1111/j.1539-6924.2009.01264.x?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Dan Henstra & Gordon McBean, 2005. "Canadian Disaster Management Policy: Moving Toward a Paradigm Shift?," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 31(3), pages 303-318, September.
    2. Baruch Fischhoff & Wändi Bruine De Bruin & Wendy Perrin & Julie Downs, 2004. "Travel Risks in a Time of Terror: Judgments and Choices," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(5), pages 1301-1309, October.
    3. Lennart Sjöberg, 1998. "Worry and Risk Perception," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 18(1), pages 85-93, February.
    4. Jean Brenot & Sylviane Bonnefous & Claire Marris, 1998. "Testing the Cultural Theory of Risk in France," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 18(6), pages 729-739, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Matt Baucum & Heather Rosoff & Richard John & William Burns & Paul Slovic, 2018. "Modeling public responses to soft-target transportation terror," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 38(2), pages 239-249, June.
    2. Jeryl L. Mumpower & Liu Shi & James W. Stoutenborough & Arnold Vedlitz, 2013. "Psychometric and Demographic Predictors of the Perceived Risk of Terrorist Threats and the Willingness to Pay for Terrorism Risk Management Programs," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 33(10), pages 1802-1811, October.
    3. Gabriele Prati & Luca Pietrantoni, 2016. "Knowledge, Risk Perceptions, and Xenophobic Attitudes: Evidence from Italy During the Ebola Outbreak," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 36(10), pages 2000-2010, October.
    4. Kolotylo-Kulkarni, Malgorzata & Marakas, George M. & Xia, Weidong, 2024. "Understanding protective behavior and vaccination adoption among US individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A four-wave longitudinal study," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
    5. Su Tao & Jinmiao Hao & Jicong Yu, 2022. "How Does Perceived Organizational Support Reduce the Effect of Working Environmental Risk on Occupational Strain? A Study of Chinese Geological Investigators," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-14, December.
    6. Xiao Wang & Yi-Hui Christine Huang & Qiudi Wu & Ivy Wai-Yin Fong, 2021. "Exploring the Effects of Instructional Message Strategies on Risk Perceptions and Behavioral Intentions: The Case of a Substandard Vaccine Incident," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(4), pages 21582440211, November.
    7. Daniela Knuth & Doris Kehl & Lynn Hulse & Silke Schmidt, 2014. "Risk Perception, Experience, and Objective Risk: A Cross‐National Study with European Emergency Survivors," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 34(7), pages 1286-1298, July.
    8. Francesca Scafuto, 2019. "Climate risk for the self and community: The role of Nature Relatedness, Personal Control and Mindfulness," RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA', FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 0(2), pages 89-108.
    9. Yaodong Yang & Huaqing Ren & Han Zhang, 2022. "Understanding Consumer Panic Buying Behaviors during the Strict Lockdown on Omicron Variant: A Risk Perception View," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-19, December.
    10. Jason D. Rivera, 2020. "The likelihood of having a household emergency plan: understanding factors in the US context," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 104(2), pages 1331-1343, November.
    11. Carlo Caponecchia, 2012. "Relative Risk Perception for Terrorism: Implications for Preparedness and Risk Communication," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(9), pages 1524-1534, September.
    12. Zeng, Yadi & Xiao, Gensen & Ye, Baojuan & Zhang, Yanzhen & Liu, Mingfan & Wang, Xinqiang & Yang, Qiang, 2022. "The relationship between risk perception of COVID-19 and willingness to help: A moderated mediation model," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    13. Gabriele Prati & Luca Pietrantoni & Bruna Zani, 2011. "A Social‐Cognitive Model of Pandemic Influenza H1N1 Risk Perception and Recommended Behaviors in Italy," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(4), pages 645-656, April.
    14. Ma. Janice J. Gumasing & Yogi Tri Prasetyo & Ardvin Kester S. Ong & Reny Nadlifatin & Satria Fadil Persada, 2022. "Determining Factors Affecting the Perceived Preparedness of Super Typhoon: Three Broad Domains of Ergonomics Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-29, September.
    15. Armando López‐Cuevas & José Ramírez‐Márquez & Gildardo Sanchez‐Ante & Kash Barker, 2017. "A Community Perspective on Resilience Analytics: A Visual Analysis of Community Mood," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 37(8), pages 1566-1579, August.
    16. Yujeong Kim & Eunmi Lee, 2021. "Factors Influencing Preparedness for Bioterrorism among Koreans," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-10, May.
    17. Moran Bodas & Morel Ragoler & Yossi Rabby & Esther Krasner, 2021. "The Effect of Risk Communication on Public Behavior to Non-Conventional Terrorism—Randomized Control Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-20, December.
    18. Jing Huang & Weiwei Cao & Huimin Wang & Zhiqiang Wang, 2020. "Affect Path to Flood Protective Coping Behaviors Using SEM Based on a Survey in Shenzhen, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-17, February.
    19. An Gie Yong & Louise Lemyre & Celine Pinsent & Daniel Krewski, 2017. "Risk Perception and Disaster Preparedness in Immigrants and Canadian‐Born Adults: Analysis of a National Survey on Similarities and Differences," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 37(12), pages 2321-2333, December.
    20. Resti Tito Villarino, 2023. "Online Typhoon Preparedness and Mitigation Program: Fitness-for-Purpose Process," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 43(1), pages 647-667, May.
    21. Michael Siegrist & Joseph Árvai, 2020. "Risk Perception: Reflections on 40 Years of Research," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 40(S1), pages 2191-2206, November.
    22. Tianjun Feng & L. Robin Keller & Ping Wu & Yifan Xu, 2014. "An Empirical Study of the Toxic Capsule Crisis in China: Risk Perceptions and Behavioral Responses," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 34(4), pages 698-710, April.
    23. Taeuk Kim & Jungwoo Ha, 2023. "Applying a Goal-Directed Behavior Model to Determine Risk Perception of COVID-19 and War on Potential Travelers’ Behavioral Intentions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-16, January.
    24. Yi-Hui Christine Huang & Xiao Wang & Ivy Wai-Yin Fong & Qiudi Wu, 2021. "Examining the Role of Trust in Regulators in Food Safety Risk Assessment: A Cross-regional Analysis of Three Chinese Societies Using an Integrative Framework," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(4), pages 21582440211, November.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Fynnwin Prager & Garrett Ryan Beeler Asay & Bumsoo Lee & Detlof von Winterfeldt, 2011. "Exploring Reductions in London Underground Passenger Journeys Following the July 2005 Bombings," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(5), pages 773-786, May.
    2. Huaiyuan Zhai & Mengjie Li & Shengyue Hao & Mingli Chen & Lingchen Kong, 2021. "How Does Metro Maintenance Staff’s Risk Perception Influence Safety Citizenship Behavior—The Mediating Role of Safety Attitude," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-20, May.
    3. Kaddour Mehiriz & Pierre Gosselin, 2016. "Municipalities' Preparedness for Weather Hazards and Response to Weather Warnings," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(9), pages 1-17, September.
    4. Hye Kyung Kim & Yungwook Kim, 2019. "Risk Information Seeking and Processing About Particulate Air Pollution in South Korea: The Roles of Cultural Worldview," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 39(5), pages 1071-1087, May.
    5. Hajibaba, Homa & Gretzel, Ulrike & Leisch, Friedrich & Dolnicar, Sara, 2015. "Crisis-resistant tourists," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 46-60.
    6. Eva Lindbladh & Carl Hampus Lyttkens, 2003. "Polarization in the Reaction to Health‐Risk Information: A Question of Social Position?," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 23(4), pages 841-855, August.
    7. Tianjun Feng & L. Robin Keller & Ping Wu & Yifan Xu, 2014. "An Empirical Study of the Toxic Capsule Crisis in China: Risk Perceptions and Behavioral Responses," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 34(4), pages 698-710, April.
    8. Andree Ehlert & Jan Seidel & Ursula Weisenfeld, 2020. "Trouble on my mind: the effect of catastrophic events on people’s worries," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 59(2), pages 951-975, August.
    9. Johann Jacob & Pierre Valois & Maxime Tessier, 2021. "Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict the Adoption of Heat and Flood Adaptation Behaviors by Municipal Authorities in the Province of Quebec, Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-16, February.
    10. Mihaela DIACONU & Amalia DUTU, 2020. "Crisis, Uncertainty, Risk And Consumer Behavior: A Psycho-Economic Approach," Scientific Bulletin - Economic Sciences, University of Pitesti, vol. 19(2), pages 3-8.
    11. Jerome Nriagu & Emilia A. Udofia & Ibanga Ekong & Godwin Ebuk, 2016. "Health Risks Associated with Oil Pollution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-23, March.
    12. Kadriye Burcu Yavuz Kumlu & Şule Tüdeş, 2019. "Determination of earthquake-risky areas in Yalova City Center (Marmara region, Turkey) using GIS-based multicriteria decision-making techniques (analytical hierarchy process and technique for order pr," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 96(3), pages 999-1018, April.
    13. Eric R. Stone & Wändi Bruine de Bruin & Abigail M. Wilkins & Emily M. Boker & Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson, 2017. "Designing Graphs to Communicate Risks: Understanding How the Choice of Graphical Format Influences Decision Making," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 37(4), pages 612-628, April.
    14. Dirk Grasmück & Roland W. Scholz, 2005. "Risk Perception of Heavy Metal Soil Contamination by High‐Exposed and Low‐Exposed Inhabitants: The Role of Knowledge and Emotional Concerns," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(3), pages 611-622, June.
    15. Agathe Backer‐Grøndahl & Aslak Fyhri & Pål Ulleberg & Astrid Helene Amundsen, 2009. "Accidents and Unpleasant Incidents: Worry in Transport and Prediction of Travel Behavior," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(9), pages 1217-1226, September.
    16. Emily Ying Yang Chan & Zhe Huang & Kevin Kei Ching Hung & Gloria Kwong Wai Chan & Holly Ching Yu Lam & Eugene Siu Kai Lo & May Pui Shan Yeung, 2019. "Health Emergency Disaster Risk Management of Public Transport Systems: A Population-Based Study after the 2017 Subway Fire in Hong Kong, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-12, January.
    17. Zhengyan Li & David M. Konisky, 2023. "Personal attributes and (mis)perceptions of local environmental risk," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 40(1), pages 119-152, January.
    18. Monika Małgorzata Wojcieszak-Zbierska & Anna Jęczmyk & Jan Zawadka & Jarosław Uglis, 2020. "Agritourism in the Era of the Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Rapid Assessment from Poland," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-19, September.
    19. Anja Göritz & David Weiss, 2014. "Behavioral and emotional responses to escalating terrorism threat," Mind & Society: Cognitive Studies in Economics and Social Sciences, Springer;Fondazione Rosselli, vol. 13(2), pages 285-295, November.
    20. Ellen Townsend & Scott Campbell, 2004. "Psychological Determinants of Willingness to Taste and Purchase Genetically Modified Food," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(5), pages 1385-1393, October.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:wly:riskan:v:29:y:2009:i:9:p:1265-1280. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Wiley Content Delivery (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://doi.org/10.1111/(ISSN)1539-6924 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.