Factorial structure of the coastal flooding risk perception and validation of a French coastal flooding risk evaluation scale (CFRES) for non-experts

In a worrying context of increased coastal risks, we chose to determine the risk perception structure and validate a specific scale for coastal flooding using structural equation modeling and model comparison. The questionnaire is inspired by previous works on psychometric paradigm. Four principal environmental risk perception factors were isolated. This factorial structure was then confirmed in a cross-validation applied to a second sample of 291 participants plus a third sample of n = 315. Finally, a model comparison was performed to confirm the existence of a second-order factor “Risk Perception”. Primary results about risk perception are consistent with the existing literature: even if inhabitants of areas at risk of coastal flooding are aware of this risk, they feel little concerned by this risk for themselves and do not implement means of protection, even if they make a pessimistic assessment on a broader scale and for others.