The Psychology of Risk

Risk surrounds and envelopes us. Without understanding it, we risk everything and without capitalising on it, we gain nothing. This accessible new book from Glynis M. Breakwell comprehensively explores the psychology of risk, examining how individuals think, feel and act, as well as considering the institutional and societal assessments, rhetorics and reactions about risk. Featuring chapters on all the major issues in the psychology of risk including risk assessment, hazard perception, decision-making, risk and crisis management, risk and emotion, risk communication, safety cultures, the social amplification and social representation of risk and mechanisms for changing risk responses, Breakwell uses illustrations and examples to bring to life the significance of her research findings. She provides an innovative overview of current knowledge on the subject but also suggests that there are many fascinating questions still to be answered.

• Includes state of the art summary of empirical research with critiques • Each chapter features a succinct preview summarising its contents, allowing easy navigation • Includes numerous illustrations and real life examples of hazards and risks, translating complex models into digestible formats

1. A psychological framework for analysing risk; 2. Hazard perception; 3. Individual and group differences in risk perception; 4. Decision-making about risks; 5. Risk and emotion; 6. Risk communication; 7. Errors, accidents and emergencies; 8. Risk and complex organisations; 9. Social amplification and social representations of risk; 10. Changing risk responses.