Abstract
Risk perception has been studied from different approaches. From a cognitive angle, risk perception implies the cognitive evaluation that is done in an individual way but, at the same time, is impregnated and pierced by the social aspects that surround the person. Perceived risk is built throughout life and is modified according to various elements, such as the general information that is acquired from danger, as well as experience, personal and social beliefs, and emotions. Risk perception is influenced by different factors such as heuristic biases that are judgements based on experiences, values and outgoing perceptions . The culturalist approach analyses society from the base of social systems where risk appears as a result of technological and economic progress that society itself has generated. Society accepts a large number of dangers, given the great benefits many of them provide. The influence of factors such as the media and social trust are also discussed.
Dr. Esperanza López-Vázquez, Research Professor, Centre of Transdisciplinary Research in Psychology, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos. Email: esperanzal@uaem.mx.
Dr. Ma. Luisa Marván, Researcher, Institute of Psychological Research, Universidad Veracruzana. Email: mlmarvan@gmail.com.
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López-Vázquez, E., Marván, M.L. (2018). Introduction to Risk Psychology. In: Marván, M., López-Vázquez, E. (eds) Preventing Health and Environmental Risks in Latin America. The Anthropocene: Politik—Economics—Society—Science, vol 23. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73799-7_1
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