Perceiving risk in a dangerous world: Asociations between life experiences and risk perceptions

Associations between prior negative life experiences and perceptions of risk of future adverse events (e.g., natural or technological disasters, violent crime) were examined among a U.S. national sample (n = 975) who completed online surveys annually for 3 years. Having previously experienced a greater number of negative life events-of any type-was associated with greater risk perceptions, regardless of the risk being considered, controlling for demographic variables previously associated with elevated risk perceptions. This association was accounted for by prior experience with violent events, which predicted higher perceptions of risk of future negative events, even after controlling for the effects of other types of negative events. Results are discussed in terms of the possible long-term changes to schemas that may occur after experiencing adverse events characterized by hostile intent, violent imagery, and that may produce strong negative emotional reactions.