Mediators of the association between television viewing and fear of crime: Perceived personal risk and perceived ability to cope

Previous research on the relationship between television viewing and fear of crime has not paid much attention to explanatory processes and has concentrated mainly on socio-demographic variables and direct experience. This study looked at personal risk perception and ability to cope as predictors of fear most likely to be influenced by the vivid images of violence presented on television. A random sample of 711 adults was queried about their media use, personal crime risk perception, perceived ability to cope, and fear of crime. Path analysis supported the proposition that television viewing was related to risk perception and ability to cope, which in turn were predictors of fear of crime. Crime drama exposure was a significant predictor of both risk perception and coping ability, while exposure to reality crime television was a predictor of the latter only. News exposure was not a significant predictor of either variable.

Research highlights► We theorize that fear of crime is caused by high perceived risk or low perceived ability to cope. ► We find that crime drama viewing is positively related to risk perception. ► Overall, television viewing is negatively related to perceived ability to cope but crime drama exposure and reality crime exposure are positively correlated to perceived ability to cope. ► Both risk perception and ability to cope are significantly related to fear of crime. ► Higher perceived risk and lower perceived ability to cope coincide with higher levels of fear.