Fear Spots in Relation to Microlevel Physical Cues: Exploring the Overlooked

Abstract

Individuals experience fear of victimization at many levels from the macroscale fears associated with a country or city to the microscale fears associated with proximate features. This article describes microlevel features associated with fear spots. Respondents were interviewed about their fear of victimization in relation to eight outdoor areas that varied in the degree to which the areas offered prospect, concealment, and ease of escape. The results showed significantly higher levels of fear associated with low prospect, high concealment, and blocked escape. The fears may well be associated with the perceived exposure to risk and loss of control. Knowledge of such cues to fear can be used in fear reduction programs—in particular, situation fear reduction strategies.