Self-Protection in Rural America: A Risk Interpretation Model of Household Protective Measures

• NCJ Number: 242889
• Journal: Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2012 Pages: 493-517
• Author(s): Matthew J. Giblin; George W. Burruss; Nicholas Corsaro; Joseph A. Schafer
• Date Published: December 2012
• Length: 25 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2008-DD-BX-0625
• Sponsoring Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

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.