The Psychology of Risk

Since the first edition of The Psychology of Risk there have been enormous macro-economic and socio-political changes globally - the chaos in the world banking system and the financial crisis and recessions that it presaged; the Arab Spring and the revolutionary shifts in power in the Middle East with rippled consequences around the world; the development of ever-more sophisticated cyber-terrorism that can strike the private individual or the nation state with equal ease. Amidst these changes in the face of hazard, do the psychological models built to explain human reactions to risk still apply? Has the research over the last few years resulted in an improvement in our understanding of how people perceive and act in relation to risk? In this second edition Professor Dame Breakwell uses illustrations and current examples to address these questions and provide a totally up-to-the minute review of what is known about the psychology of risk. Advance praise: 'This updated second edition The Psychology of Risk is a captivating book. Once again Professor Glynis Breakwell has produced a most insightful volume, crammed with all the latest theoretical findings running from affect heuristic to nudge, and contemporary risk examples. It is essential reading for policy makers, consultants and academics who have an interest in risk.' Ragnar Lofstedt, King's College London Advance praise: 'The second edition of Glynis Breakwell's book The Psychology of Risk provides a comprehensive, accurate and appealing review of the complex research field of risk perception. It can serve as a valuable resource for advanced students as well as risk managers, communicators and regulators.' Ortwin Renn, University of Stuttgart, and President of the International Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) Advance praise: 'In this carefully updated, timely text, Breakwell provides rigorous analysis and insights into the social psychological consequences of, and resources for, living in a world of increasing risk and uncertainty.' Caroline Howarth, London School of Economics and Political Science Advance praise: 'This thoughtful, comprehensive and engaging book will be immensely valuable to students, researchers, and anyone charged with making important decisions in the face of risk.' Paul Slovic, University of Oregon and Decision Research, and author of The Perception of Risk1. A social psychological framework for analysing risk; 2. Hazard perception; 3. Individual and group differences in risk perception; 4. Decision-making about risks; 5. Risk and emotion; 6. Risk communication; 7. Errors and accidents, emergencies and disasters; 8. Risk management: risk in complex systems; 9. Social amplification, social representations and identity processes; 10. Changing risk reactions: lessons from the psychology of risk.