TiCER Pilot Project 1

Status: study under review (Journal: Environmental Science and Policy)
Title: Worried (and) Sick: How environmental hazards affect Americans’ health-related risk attitudes
Investigators: Rotem Dvir, Arnold Vedlitz, and Xinyue Ye

Abstract
This study explores risk attitudes of environmental hazards by adapting an established social-cognitive model (CCRPM), and applying it in the context of health-related implications of environmental hazards. We argue that personal experience and a greater understanding of the hazards increase risk perceptions and that a strong social context reduces health concerns from environmental hazards. Using data from a national survey (N=1207), we find higher health-related risk perceptions among those with existing health problems. Also, individuals with a greater understanding of the threats are more concerned about health complications resulting from environmental hazards. At the same time, individuals living in communities with strong social ties report decreased risk attitudes. Additional in-depth analysis shows that residents of at-risk communities (localities where air pollution is higher) display higher risk perceptions compared to those in less polluted areas. The findings amplify the dimensions described in the theoretical model and how structural conditions matter for individuals’ risk perceptions.