Role Of Perceived Risk Research Articles

Preventive Behaviors Among Higher Education Students in Response to COVID-19: The Role of Risk Perception

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions adopted a set of measures to ensure safe face-to-face teaching and to control potential outbreaks. However, the effectiveness of the implemented measures is dependent on the behavior of students, who are generally young, often displaced, living with other colleagues, and constantly seeking physical contact, which makes their behavior outside the institution also of particular relevance to controlling the pandemic. An online questionnaire was developed and applied to characterize the behaviors adopted by students inside and outside the higher education institution, as well as risk perception based on the health belief model (HBM) and unrealistic optimism, with the participation of 620 students from three Portuguese higher education institutions. The adoption of safe behaviors is related to a greater perception of the benefits and of the severity of COVID-19. Unrealistic optimism also has a negative impact on preventive behaviors. The behaviors least adopted by students concerning potential exposure to COVID-19 were disinfecting hands and equipment after use, as well as physical distancing from colleagues. With regard to behaviors adopted outside the institution, it was found that students did not avoid physical contact with colleagues and family members. These findings contribute to our understanding of student behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, help institutions understand if the applied strategies were effective or not, and denote the need to reinforce or improve the implemented strategies.

Is undergraduates’ adoption of the Internet of Things rational? The role of risk perception

Users’ intentions and behavior when using the Internet of Things (IoT) are essential issues in contemporary technology research. This research used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to predict undergraduates’ IoT use intention and behavior in the smart home context. A total of 412 undergraduates at four universities in Taiwan participated in this study. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach was utilized to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that undergraduates’ attitudes and subjective norms had a positive effect on their IoT use intention, which, in turn, had effects on their IoT use behavior. This study also found that undergraduates’ risk perception of behavioral control had a negative effect on their IoT use intention. In contrast, their perceived risk of behavioral control had a positive direct effect on their IoT use behavior. This research contributes to the current state of knowledge since the proposed model revealed that undergraduates’ adoption of the Internet of Things might not be entirely rational. Their risk perception of behavioral control might play particular role.

The Role of Risk Perception and Big Five Personality Traits in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Indonesia

Even when the COVID-19 global health emergency is declared over, vaccine hesitancy is a relevant topic that needs to be studied to ensure effective intervention when such cases arise again in the future. Vaccine hesitancy is a phenomenon of public doubt about whether to accept or reject vaccination. This study aims to determine the characteristics of vaccine hesitancy in Indonesian society and its relationship with the risk perception of COVID-19 and the Big Five personality traits. We also discuss how the present findings can inform future decision making on pandemic interventions. This multimethod cross-sectional study incorporated both quantitative and qualitative analyses through self-report measures and an open question. We distributed the questionnaire online through convenience sampling technique and involved 390 Indonesian citizens aged 18-62 years (Mage = 30.68, SD = +13.17). Through regression analyses, we found that risk perception of COVID-19, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Intellect were significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Thematic analysis showed that themes of lack of confidence, convenience, and complacency were present in participants’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. Demographic analysis also showed a correlation between vaccine hesitancy and economic status. Vaccination campaigns should focus on extensive education on vaccine safety that is backed by factual data, education on the risk of preventable diseases with vaccination, and increasing public confidence in government and health authorities.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Term “Entrepreneurial Motivation”


 This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the term "Entrepreneurial Motivation," reflecting the extensive scholarly interest in the determinants that incite individuals to undertake entrepreneurial endeavors. Utilizing a dataset from reputable databases such as Scopus, this research elucidates the evolution of entrepreneurial motivation as a concept and its significance in the entrepreneurship literature. We investigate key thematic clusters, seminal works, influential authors, and collaboration patterns in the field. Additionally, we explore publication trends in leading journals and identify research lacunae and emerging trends that signal future scholarly directions. Our findings indicate a robust engagement with factors such as educational background, personal traits, and socio-economic impacts, including the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on entrepreneurial activity. The study also highlights potential new avenues for research in areas that have yet to become prominent within the existing literature, such as the role of risk perception, necessity entrepreneurship, passion, and social responsibility in shaping entrepreneurial motivation. This analysis provides a detailed landscape of the field, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the dynamic forces that foster and sustain entrepreneurial motivation in an ever-evolving global economy.

The role of risk perception as a competitive mediator of trust and purchase intention for vegetables produced with pesticides

The use of pesticides in food cultivation appears to be very positive for the economy, but how do consumers view this from a health and environmental perspective? This study aims to a) assess Brazilian consumers' risk perception and trust in conventionally produced foods and b) assess predictors of purchase intention of conventionally produced foods. A hypothesis model was created based on trust in food toolkit, risk perception, purchase intention, and price consciousness. The data collection was conducted in person in three cities in Brazil. Consumer trust in the consumption of conventionally produced food was analyzed using 27 indicators divided into six constructs: Trust in Organization, Trust in Product, Interpersonal Trust, Trust in Food Chain, Distrust in Organization, and Interpersonal Distrust. Risk perception, purchase intention, and price consciousness was analyzed using three, three, and four indicators, respectively. The sample consisted of 262 consumers, most of whom were female (65.3%). Purchase intention for conventionally produced food was predicted by trust in the product and risk perception, but not by price consciousness. Finally, risk perception was a partially competitive mediator between trust in the product and purchase intention for conventionally produced vegetables. Since consumers trust the organization (government health agency), the product, and the food chain, regulators must enforce safety in this context. Risk perception is an essential cognitive factor to improve consumers’ awareness of pesticide risk and thus reduce their intention to consume conventionally produced vegetables.

Risk Theory and 'Subjective Fear': The Role of Risk Perception, Assessment, and Management in Refugee Status Determinations

Risk Theory and 'Subjective Fear': The Role of Risk Perception, Assessment, and Management in Refugee Status Determinations

Psychological mediators between risk perception and psychological wellbeing in emergency healthcare workers.

Healthcare workers are subjected to numerous work-related stress factors, which have negative consequences on their physical and mental health, making them a vulnerable group. The recent pandemic caused by the new coronavirus created a high demand for attention from healthcare workers, which put their mental health at risk. This study aimed to test a mediation model in which resilience and the satisfaction of psychological needs play a mediating role in risk perception, the attitude toward the management carried out by the administration, emotional intelligence on psychological wellbeing, and depressive symptoms of frontline professionals. The sample consisted of 405 healthcare professionals aged between 22 and 65 years, belonging to critical care units in southern Spain. Linear correlation and mediation analyses were performed. The results showed that psychological wellbeing had positive correlations with resilience and negative correlations with the discrepancy in the satisfaction of psychological needs. Depressive symptoms had negative correlations with resilience and positive correlations with the satisfaction of psychological needs. To explore these results further, a mediation analysis was conducted, and a large set of significant indirect effects was found.

Navigating Migration Risks: The Role of Risk Perception and Information Engagement Among Moldovans

Executive Summary This study examines migration risk perception and information engagement by potential migrants from Moldova. Employing a qualitative interview approach ( N = 30), it explores the behaviors, intentions, and perceptions that underpin how potential migrants understand labor migration risks. It establishes a robust connection between risk perception and the active pursuit of pertinent information. The study offers a matrix that illustrates the interplay between migration risk perception (high vs. low) and type of risk (individual vs. systemic). It finds that respondents in the High Risk — Systemic group refrain from seeking information, viewing all migration as inherently highly risky due to systemic factors beyond their control. The Low Risk — Systemic group believes migration carries relatively low risks, but that these risks are not individually manageable. The Low Risk — Individual group engages passively with safe migration information because of their perception of low risk. The High Risk — Individual group actively seeks information about safe migration, believing that they can overcome potential risks. In short, the study finds that potential migrants’ perception and understanding of risk shapes their engagement with safe migration information. The study also highlights gender disparities in risk perception and response. While women emphasize concerns tied to sexual exploitation and separation from family, men are more likely to fear fatal accidents and industry-specific exploitation. The study’s findings should inform the development of policy frameworks and migration information campaigns that reflect diverse perceptions and understandings of migration risk. Policy Recommendations: To mitigate migration risks and promote safer practices, policymakers at various levels, including the Moldovan government, international agencies (e.g., IOM, UNHCR, and ILO), non-governmental organizations (like LaStrada), and EU bodies, should: Tailor public education and communication campaigns for diverse risk factors, using different messaging for varying risk perceptions. Address gender-specific concerns with practical advice and resources. Develop comprehensive risk awareness programs covering physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Use diverse channels (hotlines, online platforms, and workshops) to reach a broader audience. Strengthen embassy services, ensuring staff are informed about migration risks, challenges, and effective outreach and education strategies. Collaborate with mental health professionals to provide psychosocial support. Engage returnee migrants as credible sources of information and advice. Include migration topics in school curricula to enhance migration risk preparedness. By acknowledging risk perception and adapting information strategies accordingly, policymakers at international, regional, and local levels can create effective initiatives and communicating strategies for secure migration.

Willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19: the role of risk perception, trust in institutions, and affects.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to stop the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent severe disease. This study aims to ascertain the determinants of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance in the French population before the vaccine was introduced (France's second lockdown) and during the roll-out of the vaccination campaign (France's third lockdown). We focus on the following as determinants of willingness to be vaccinated: risk perception, affects related to the risk, and trust in political and health institutions. The study was conducted among two convenient samples including 591 and 474 participants. The results show that the timing of the crisis was important. While the intention to be vaccinated was relatively low before the vaccines were introduced, it became significantly higher when the vaccination campaign was deployed. The results show that risk perception and trust in health institutions are the most relevant predictors of intention to be vaccinated. Results are discussed in terms of the effectiveness of communication campaigns.

From believing in climate change to adapting to climate change: The role of risk perception and efficacy beliefs.

Are people more inclined to adapt to climate change if they believe that climate change is real, caused by human behavior, and/or brings negative consequences? Previous studies provided inconclusive results on the relationship between climate change perceptions and adaptation behavior. Using a longitudinal approach, we examined whether risk perception, self-efficacy, and outcome efficacy play a role in how and when climate change perceptions are associated with adaptation to pluvial flooding and heat stress in the Netherlands. As expected, stronger climate change perceptions were associated with stronger perceptions of climate-related risks, which in turn lead to stronger intentions to implement adaptation measures. Yet, neither climate change perceptions nor risk perception were associated with whether people had actually implemented adaptation measures during a 1-year period. Contrary to common assumptions in the literature, higher levels of perceived self-efficacy and outcome efficacy did not strengthen the relations between climate change perceptions and adaptation intentions and behavior. Rather, higher levels of self-efficacy and outcome efficacy were directly related to stronger intentions to take adaptive measures and taking those measures within a period of 1 year. Exploratory analyses offered initial support for a sequential model where climate change perceptions lead to higher levels of perceptions of specific climate-related risks, which in turn lead to stronger self-efficacy and outcome efficacy, ultimately increasing adaptation intentions, but not actual behavior. Strategies to promote adaptation behavior could aim to remove behavioral barriers to increase self-efficacy, and strengthen outcome efficacy, enabling people to act on their climate change perceptions.

A Study on the Message Strategy for the Diffusion of Innovative Logistics System

This study explored how message strategies should be used in the case of innovations close to those vs. far from the existing logistics system. In Study 1, it was revealed that for far-off innovations, a message emphasizing connectivity with existing logistics systems is more effective, and for near innovations, a message emphasizing differentiation is more effective. This effect was limited to flexible thinking consumers. And in the case of far-off innovation, it matches the connectivity message, and in the case of near innovation, it matches the differentiation message because the risk perception of innovation is lowered each in that case. In other words, risk perception for innovation played a role as a mediator.
 In Study 2, the role of risk perception in an innovative logistics system was explored in depth. For near innovations that only introduced RFID, message strategies that emphasized advantages were effective, and for far-off innovations that introduced both RFID and autonomous driving, message strategies that reassured risks were effective. The reason is that consumers have a high risk perception in the case of distant innovation. However, this risk management effect was limited to consumers who thought abstract and flexible. In addition, this risk management effect did not appear in an innovative logistics system for others other than for self.

The error role in risk perception

After some time since the onset of the Covid19 pandemic, we believe it is now possible to reflect on how the global response to the worldwide spread of the virus has been organized, and at the same time reflect on the emergency approach that has characterized the responses on the health front but also the public communication of the same pandemic. The hypothesis around which we work is that the term of emergency itself is not appropriate except to designate a sit-uation that is strictly related to a reductionist approach to understanding and explaining phenomena. An event becomes an emergency only if we reason in terms of a linear explanation, avoiding paying attention to the real complexity of the phenomena, with a comprehensive look at systemic interrelationships. In this perspective, Horton correctly proposed the term syndemic to characterize the set of events related to Covid19 (Horton, 2020). Because the unexpected, which is experienced and managed as an emergency, arises from an obvious interpretative error if the problem is not addressed with a systemic logic. And it can perhaps also be hypothe-sized that as such - that is, as unexpected and emerging - any phenomenon legitimizes proce-dural and communicative errors, thus exonerating in some way whoever is responsible for facing them.

Be prepared! Local politicians’ proclivity for local government adaptive capacity building in response to COVID-19: the role of risk perceptions

ABSTRACT Although it is argued that organizational leaders’ perceptions of external shocks determine organizations’ willingness to prepare for future shocks, insights on the sensemaking processes leading local politicians to invest in adaptive capacity building after a crisis are scarce. Therefore, this study examines how politicians’ COVID-19 risk perceptions relate to their proclivity to invest in organizational adaptive capacity building. Results, based on data from 710 local Flemish politicians, confirm that perceived severity of COVID-19 relates to politicians’ willingness to invest in adaptive capacity building, while sociodemographic and event-related variables as well as socio-political attitudes are relevant predictors of politicians’ risk perceptions.

Role of risk perception and situational factors in mobile payment adoption among small vendors in unorganised retail

Role of risk perception and situational factors in mobile payment adoption among small vendors in unorganised retail

Parental mediation of online interactions and its relation to adolescents’ contacts with new people online: the role of risk perception

ABSTRACT To ensure their children's safety online, parents can utilize number of strategies, including active and restrictive parental mediation. Active mediation encompasses parents discussing and advising children about safe usage of the internet, whereas restrictive mediation means limiting children's internet usage. Both strategies aim to affect children's online behavior, especially to minimize online risks. Using a sample of 1031 adolescents aged 11–17 (54% females) and structural equation modeling, we focused on the active and restrictive parental mediation of online interactions and their connections to adolescents’ potentially risky online contacts with new people. In addition, we considered the indirect effect of parental mediation on adolescents’ behavior through adolescents’ risk perception. In this way, we captured one of the potential explanatory mechanisms through which the parental mediation's effect occurs. The results showed that restrictive mediation decreased contacts with new people by increasing adolescents’ risk perception of this activity. In contrast, active mediation had neither a direct nor indirect effect on adolescents’ online contacts. The results enrich the theory of parental mediation by showing that risk perception is an important factor to consider when researchers examine the effects of parental mediation on children's potentially risky online behavior.

The role of risk perception, prior experience, and sociodemographics in disaster preparedness and emergency response toward typhoons in Hong Kong

The role of risk perception, prior experience, and sociodemographics in disaster preparedness and emergency response toward typhoons in Hong Kong

Consumers' self-reported adherence to directions for non-prescription medicines and the role of risk perception.

Non-prescription medicines (NPMs), while relatively safe, are responsible for a small but significant proportion of medication misadventure and inappropriate use may lead to avoidable healthcare cost. Some consumers vary their use of NPMs from the directions provided on packaging or advice from healthcare professionals. Consumers may use NPMs at lower doses or less frequently than directed because of the risk of side effects. This study aimed to develop and validate a self-report measure for the extent to which consumers' follow directions (FDs) for NPMs. Secondly, it aimed to explore the relationship between risk perception towards NPMs and following directions. A cross-sectional study was administered online to participants who belong to an Australian agency which conducts consumer research. Participants were Australian adults who had used NPMs within the last month. Items for the FD-NPM scale were developed and validated. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to validate the FD-NPM scale. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to explore the relationships between risk perception, covariates, and FDs. There were 403 participants recruited. Less than 20% "always" or "often" self-reported following directions for dose, frequency, or duration of use. Factor analyses confirmed that there are two moderately positively correlated dimensions of FD-NPM (r=0.46), which were named underuse and overuse. That is, consumers who self-reported underuse of non-prescription medicines were also more likely to self-report overuse. Consumers with high-risk perception towards NPMs, those who were younger and those who were more educated had a greater tendency to not follow directions. A new self-report measure, the FD-NPM scale was developed and validated. That people who perceives NPMs to be harmful, tend to underuse and more concerningly, overuse them, is of great interest to clinicians and policymakers who are required to manage risk communications.

Explaining public support for demanding activation of the unemployed: The role of subjective risk perceptions and stereotypes about the unemployed

In recent decades, European welfare states have adopted demanding active labour market policies (ALMPs), aimed at increasing labour market participation through imposing stricter work-related obligations and benefit cuts in case of job offer rejection. This article investigates whether support for such demanding ALMPs is driven by risk perceptions of future unemployment and negative stereotypes about unemployed persons. Insights into the role of risk perceptions and stereotypes offer opportunities to gain a better understanding of the impact of structural variables. Drawing on data from the European Social Survey 2016 in 21 European countries, the analysis reveals that higher subjective risk of unemployment decreases support for these ALMPs substantially, whereas negative perceptions of the unemployed increase support. However, these factors play at the individual level only and do not explain country-level differences in support of demanding ALMPs. The notable cross-national variation in support of activation policies is found to be unrelated to economic factors and to the strictness of activation requirements for unemployment benefits.

Risk perception and political leaning explain the preferences of non-industrial private landowners for alternative climate change mitigation strategies in Finnish forests

Understanding landowners’ willingness to act on climate change is important for effective climate policy. This study investigates the determinants of Finnish non-industrial private forest owners’ preferences for alternative climate change mitigation strategies related to forests and wood use. The study tests hypotheses concerning the role of risk perception and political leaning for the support of seven alternative strategies with varying degree of disruption to the current logic of commercial forestry in Finland, which further aligns with the temporal delay in the impact of climate change mitigation strategies that landowners are willing to accept. Based on 887 survey responses from three regions, the study finds that forest owners generally support all but one of the seven strategies: reduced harvest. Results from ordinal logistic regression models further indicate that along with socio-demographic determinants, higher perceived risk and left-wing leaning with a university degree explain support for more disruptive strategies with more immediate mitigation impact (increased conservation, reduced harvest), while lower perceived risk and right-wing leaning without a university degree tend to associate with support for the less disruptive strategies (intensified management, increased harvest), both of which arguably sideline the urgency of climate action. In the highly politicized matter of harvest levels in Finland, the study also finds that right-wing leaning may negate the effect of higher education, which otherwise predicts greater support for more disruptive strategies. Implications for policy at the climate-forest nexus are derived.

Teachers’ Self-Efficacy during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece: The Role of Risk Perception and Teachers’ Relationship with Technology

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a sudden and radical transition from face-to-face to online teaching across the globe. This shift has required teachers to quickly adapt their educational practices, which has had an impact on their perceived self-efficacy. The limited literature on the impact of COVID-19 on teachers’ self-efficacy (TSE) has focused mostly on online teaching. The purpose of this study was to investigate TSE in both face-to-face and distant learning environments amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It also aimed to explore the impact of teachers’ relationship with technology and COVID-19 risk perception on their TSE. The sample was composed of 290 pre-service and in-service teachers from Greece who completed an online self-report survey. Results showed that pre-service teachers reported higher levels of TSE than in-service teachers, especially in distance learning environments. COVID-19 risk perception was not a significant predictor of TSE. By contrast, higher scores in self-assessed skills of the pedagogical applications of technology predicted TSE in both instructional settings. The present findings confirm the importance of promoting technological skills to enhance the self-efficacy of schoolteachers in both traditional and virtual instructional settings, regardless of the crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.