The role of credibility and negative feelings in comparative perceptual bias related to environmental hazards

This paper analyzes the possible existence of comparative perceptual bias (CPB) related to environmental hazards, the influence of perceived credibility (in messages and the media) and negative feelings on such CPB, and the existence of homogenous groups related to the cited variables and sociodemographics. The results from a Spanish sample (n = 537) show pessimistic CPB toward environmental hazards, and it is greater in those having a local impact than those with a global impact. Only the credibility of the message (not the media) relevantly explains the CPB. Negative emotions have poor explanatory power. Two groups are detected (Skeptical-Indifferent vs. Credulous-Pessimistic). We conclude that people tend to feel emotions that produce inhibition of behavior because of both cultural pessimism and ignorance. A higher proven and trustworthy scientific or technical knowledge implies greater pessimistic CPB related to the possible impact from environmental hazards.