NCJ Number
89787
Journal
Mid-American Review of Psychology Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: (1982) Pages: 71-86
Date Published
1982
Length
16 pages
Annotation
As the frequency and severity of victimization increases, fear of but not concern about, crime increases.
Abstract
This study investigated relationships between frequency and severity of household victimization and fears, concerns, and behavioral responses to crime. A victimization questionnaire was mailed to a predominantly rural/farm market population in Washington State. Frequency of victimization is defined as the number of personal and property offenses experienced by household members. Severity is defined as the proximity of the victim to the offense. Fear is measured by three items relating to perceptions of the relative safety of one's residential area. Concern is measured by three items relating to attitudes about crime in general. Behavioral measures include minor avoidance reactions, such as altering entertainment practices partially in response to crime, and major avoidance or retreatist actions, such as moving in response to crime. The study found that though victimization appears to be an important factor in minor behavioral adaptations, this relationship is not as conclusive for major avoidance reactions; that fear is considered to be a rational response to people's experiential worlds; and that fear may be viewed as an independent consequence of both concern and victimization among the rural population. Study data, 8 notes, and 17 references are included. (Author abstract modified)