Abstract
The Feeling of Risk: New Perspectives on Risk Perception by Paul Slovic addresses the increasingly popular topic of risk perception and is the successor to the acclaimed The Perception of Risk (2000). The Feeling of Risk is undoubtedly a source of in-depth understanding of the significance of feelings and is a substantive contribution to risk perception research. It aims at renewing its predecessor’s intentions of communicating the latest research in the field and presents new insights on the role of feelings in risk behaviour, perception and decision making.
The book is an effective selection of diverse peer reviewed collaborative work that brings together a broad body of risk perception research presenting the “psychometric paradigm” at its core. However, the approach presented here shows that feelings play a very significant role in evaluating the level of risk associated with a decision (“affect heuristic”). The book covers a range of topics, including risk as feelings; culture, cognition and risk; psychometric studies; risk knowledge and risk communication; all with feelings as an overarching framework.
This is a well researched book that cleverly gives voice to many researchers whose work brings evidence of the significance of feelings in behaviour, perception and decisions concerning risk. Tables and figures are used effectively throughout the book to illustrate and help contextualise the research findings. The Feeling of Risk puts forward key improvements in understanding risk perception within the framework of “risk as feelings” amid theoretical and practical implications.
The decision to write a book as a selection of papers from within the vast field of risk is embodied with complexity and could be improved by including an introduction and conclusion for each part of the book. The “Introduction and Overview” by Paul Slovic could be expanded in this respect, as it introduces an invaluable source of history, context and account for the book’s statements, as well as additional authors’ standpoints.
The Feeling of Risk offers an important contribution towards a better understanding of risk perception and “risk as feelings,” but also a starting point for future research. New paths are suggested on how to better consolidate feelings in communicating risk and developing risk prevention strategies. This book advances the integration of feelings on risk analysis, communication and decisions. For these reasons, it is suitable for academics and practitioners interested in a greater and an in-depth understanding of risk perception across different disciplines, such as biology, psychology, sociology, the environment, health and economics.