Perception of risk: the influence of general trust, and general confidence

Abstract

The influence of trust and confidence as personality traits on the perception of various hazards was examined. The distinction between trust and confidence is a key element of certain theories of co-operation, but this dual-mode approach has had little impact on empirical studies. General trust is the belief that other people can be relied on. General confidence is the conviction that everything is under control, and uncertainty is low. It was hypothesized that general trust and general confidence negatively influence risk perception. The hypothesis was tested using data from a random sample of 388 persons living in Switzerland. High levels of trust and confidence reduced perceived risks, compared with low levels of trust and confidence. Age was positively correlated with perceived risk. Gender was a significant predictor for technological hazards, but not for non-technological hazards. Females perceived more risks than males. Results provide strong evidence for the hypothesis that general trust and general confidence have an impact on the perception of new technologies. Practical implications of the results are discussed.