How safe are we? Introducing the multidimensional model of perceived personal safety

Abstract

Investigations of individual differences in how safe people feel in their social lives have typically used single-item measures or indirect measures. To examine the multifaceted nature of perceived personal safety more comprehensively, we introduce a novel measurement model of perceived personal safety, validated over the course of 8 studies (5 main and 3 supplementary studies; total N = 4390). Three distinct factors capturing variance in perceived personal safety emerged, Feeling of Safety (i.e., experiencing security in day-to-day life), Fear of Crime (i.e., being afraid of victimization), and Safety Confidence (i.e., trusting one's own ability to remain safe). Studies 1–3 introduce a newly developed multidimensional model, providing evidence for its face and construct validity. Studies 4 A-4B suggest that the feeling of safety facet specifically relate to better mental health outcomes, even across the span of one year. Study 5 explored the cross-national validity of this model across four different European countries. Contrary to past conceptualizations, perceived personal safety appears to be multidimensional, with different facets affecting our lives in distinct ways.