NCJ Number
242889
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2012 Pages: 493-517
Date Published
December 2012
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study focus is on crime and associated behaviors of residents in rural communities.
Abstract
Scholarly interest in self-protective behaviors is demonstrated in studies examining victimization; these behaviors are presumed to reduce the likelihood of experiencing crime. Protective behaviors are not taken by all citizens equally, however, so it is critical to explain these behaviors within the population. The current study extends existing works, most of which were based on urban samples, by examining the determinants of protective behaviors in a sample of rural residents in the United States. Predictors are derived from a modified risk interpretation model (Ferraro, 1995) and include risk, fear, victimization experiences, and perceived collective efficacy. Results show that household protective behaviors are influenced by perceptions of risk and, indirectly through risk, by perceived collective efficacy and victimization experiences. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.