Cognitive and Affective Predictors of Illinois Residents’ Perceived Risks from Gray Wolves |
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| Authors: | Adam C Landon Maarten H Jacobs Craig A Miller Jerry J Vaske Brent D Williams |
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| Institution: | 1. Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA;2. Adam.Landon@state.us.mn;4. Department of Cultural Geography, Wageninen University, Wageningen, Netherlands;5. Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA |
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| Abstract: | AbstractIncreasing wolf populations are a concern for wildlife managers in the Midwestern U.S. Understanding the psychological mechanisms that contribute to public perceptions of risk will enable development of strategies that seek to mitigate these risks, and suggest where outreach efforts may facilitate acceptance of wolves. We examined the psychological factors that influence Illinois residents’ perceived risks from wolves. We hypothesized that individuals’ perceived risks from wolves were a function of their attitudes toward wolves, negative affect toward wolves, and basic beliefs about wildlife. Data were obtained from a survey of the Illinois public (n?=?784). Negative affect and attitudes toward wolves were direct predictors of perceived risks. Basic beliefs predicted attitudes and negative affect toward wolves. Negative affect predicted attitudes. Basic beliefs had direct and indirect effects on perceived risks. |
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| Keywords: | Attitudes cognitive hierarchy emotion risk wildlife value orientations wolves |
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