Cognitive and Affective Predictors of Illinois Residents' Perceived Risks from Gray Wolves. Issue 5 (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Landon, Adam C.; Jacobs, Maarten H.; Miller, Craig A.; Vaske, Jerry J.; Williams, Brent D.
• Is Part Of: Society and natural resources. Volume 33:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 574
• Page End: 593
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Attitudes -- cognitive hierarchy -- emotion -- risk -- wildlife value orientations -- wolves; Natural resources -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2019.1664680
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-1920

Abstract

Abstract: Increasing wolf populations are a concern for wildlife managers in the Midwestern U.S. Understanding the psychological mechanisms that contribute to public perceptions of risk will enable development of strategies that seek to mitigate these risks, and suggest where outreach efforts may facilitate acceptance of wolves. We examined the psychological factors that influence Illinois residents' perceived risks from wolves. We hypothesized that individuals' perceived risks from wolves were a function of their attitudes toward wolves, negative affect toward wolves, and basic beliefs about wildlife. Data were obtained from a survey of the Illinois public ( n = 784). Negative affect and attitudes toward wolves were direct predictors of perceived risks. Basic beliefs predicted attitudes and negative affect toward wolves. Negative affect predicted attitudes. Basic beliefs had direct and indirect effects on perceived risks.