NCJ Number
144417
Journal
Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1993) Pages: 159-175
Date Published
1993
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examines the relationship between fear of crime and psychological distress, and concomitant negative effects on health.
Abstract
A sample of 2,031 adults, aged 18 to 90 years, responded to a telephone survey comprised of questions related to their health, outdoor physical activity as measured by walking, psychological distress, and fear of victimization. The results showed that people who are afraid of being assaulted, mugged, or robbed report worse subjective health than respondents who are not afraid. The negative association is explained in large measure by psychological distress, as evidence by symptoms of depression, and lack of outdoor physical activity. Other social psychological attributes could also partially explain the results. For example, people with high levels of fear also are more likely to be mistrustful and therefore lack social networks and the emotional support they provide. People who are afraid may suffer from social isolation, which has been associated with higher rates of illness and death. 4 tables, 1 figure, and 57 references