Fear and perceived likelihood of victimization in the traditional and cyber settings

Maddison, Jessica and Jeske, Debora (2014) Fear and perceived likelihood of victimization in the traditional and cyber settings. International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning, 4 (4). pp. 23-40. ISSN 2155-7136

[img]
Preview
PDF
maddison_IJCBPL_4(4).pdf - Published Version

Download (483kB) | Preview
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/ijcbpl.2014100103

Abstract

This study considers the influence of perceived likelihood, demographics (gender and education) and personality on fear of victimization and cyber-victimization using a survey design (N=159). The results suggest that perceived likelihood of victimization predicts fear of victimization in traditional contexts. Women tend to be more fearful of victimization in traditional and cyber contexts, confirming previous research. No group differences emerged in relation to education. Self-esteem and self-efficacy were not significant predictors of fear or perceived likelihood of victimization. However, perceived likelihood was a significant predictor of fear of victimization in traditional settings. This may suggest that different variables (such as awareness of vulnerability) may play a role in fear of victimization in cyber settings. Further group comparisons revealed that fear of victimization and cybervictimization depended on whether or not participants reported high or low perceived likelihood of victimization and internet use. Higher internet use was associated with greater fear of victimization, especially in combination with greater perceived likelihood of victimization. This may suggest an exposure effect, in that being online more frequently may also increase awareness of cyber incidents.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: This paper appears in International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning edited by Robert Atkinson and Zheng Yan. Copyright 2014, IGI Global, www.igi-global.com. Posted by permission of the publisher.
Subjects: C800 Psychology
P900 Others in Mass Communications and Documentation
Department: Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User: Becky Skoyles
Date Deposited: 17 Nov 2014 09:22
Last Modified: 17 Dec 2023 15:32
URI: https://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/18202

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics