The climate change risk perception model in the United States: A replication study. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gilbert, Christine; Lachlan, Kenneth
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental psychology. Volume 86(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Climate change -- Climate change risk perception model -- Risk perceptions; Environmental psychology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; 155.905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.101969
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-4944

Abstract

Abstract: This replication study applies the four-factor Climate Change Risk Perception Model (CCRPM) proposed by van der Linden (2015) to a representative sample of United States adults. Previous applications of the model in predicting climate change risk perceptions have explained more than 50% of the variance in a United Kingdom and Australian sample. Results provide support for the CCRPM as a predictive model in the US with 62% of the variance in climate change risk perceptions explained. The socio-cultural factor which includes prescriptive and descriptive norms is the single largest predictor of climate change risk perceptions, which may reflect the extreme politicization of climate change in the United States. In contrast with prior CCRPM research is the low amount of variance explained by affective responses to climate change. Recommendations for future use of the CCRPM are included and implications for communicators are considered. Highlights: Climate change risk perception model is a significant predictor of risk in the US. Prescriptive norms are the largest predictor for a general sample of US adults. In contrast to previous work, affect was not a large predictor of risk perceptions. Politicization of climate change in the US likely explains disparate results.