Mediating the social and psychological impacts of terrorist attacks: The role of risk perception and risk communication

M B Rogers, R Amlot, G J Rubin, S Wessely, K Krieger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

91 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The public's understanding of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) related issues and their likely actions following a CBRN incident is an issue of great concern, as public psychological and behavioural responses will help determine subsequent morbidity and mortality rates. This paper explores the role of effective government communication with the public and its role in mediating the social and psychological impact of terrorist attacks. We examine the importance of effective communication in reducing morbidity and mortality in the event of a terrorist attack and explore the impact of risk perceptions in determining the success or failure of risk communication strategies. This includes the examination of the role of fear as a health risk, and the identification of factors relevant to public trust in risk communication. Finally, an investigation of the type of information desired by members of the public leads the authors to make risk communication recommendations targeted at the promotion of more adaptive behaviours in response to CBRN attacks
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)279 - 288
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Review of Psychiatry
Volume19
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2007

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