De invloed van negatieve media berichtgeving op risicoperceptie met betrekking tot slachtofferschap van crimineel gedrag

Research has previously found a positive influence of exposure to media on fear of crime. This research tries to replicate these findings while differentiating between two sorts of media (a news-paper article and a picture) and between fear of crime and perceived risk. While previously being measured using the same methods, literature suggests these are two separate constructs. While fear embodies an emotional response, perceived risk entails the cognitive, objective evaluation of crime. This research has sought to differentiate between these two constructs. For the first time, intergroup contact is also taken into account. In an experimental study (n=103) the link between a negative news-item, a picture of either an ingroup or outgroup member and fear of crime and perceived risk was researched, while also incorporating a possible influence of intergroup contact. No significant effect was found for any of the main effects, but a small effect was found for involuntary contact on fear of crime. Further implications as well as limitations are discussed