Understanding of the concept of ‘uncertain risk’. A qualitative study among different societal groups

Jansen, Tom; Claassen, Liesbeth; Kamp, Irene van; Timmermans, Daniëlle R.M.

doi:10.1080/13669877.2018.1503614

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…Newspaper articles sometimes seemed to refer to the probability of health effects using the term “risk.” The word risk, however, can vary in intended and perceived meaning; it could for example refer to the presence of a hazardous substance, the possibility of a health effect or the probability of a health effect. Furthermore, Jansen, Claassen, van Kamp, and Timmermans ( 2019 ) found that laypersons associate “risk” often with danger (Jansen et al., 2019 ). The observed lack in essential contextual information and in explanations of the technical terms used is in congruence with the results from previous studies on media coverage of risks (Freimuth et al., 1984 ; Wahlberg & Sjoberg, 2000 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of the media in the amplification of a contested health risk: Rubber granulate on sport fields

et al. 2021

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This study aims to increase insights into the potential role of the media in the amplification and attenuation of modern risks in society, by studying the dynamics and contents of the newspaper coverage about the potential health risk posed by rubber granulate in the Netherlands. We thematically analysed 153 national newspaper articles about the risks posed by rubber granulate between September 2016 and February 2017. Our results suggest that newspaper coverage might have contributed to heightened public risk perceptions by presenting the negligible health risk as uncertain, focusing on controversy between authorities and experts, describing responses such as concerns, commotion, and adopted risk mitigation measures by members of the public, and by providing insufficient contextualization on whether hazardous substances in rubber granulate pose a threat to health. The risks posed by rubber granulate is one of the many modern risks that has become subject to heated and mediated public discussions. Our results provide in‐depth insights into important content elements in media coverage during such discussions and the impact of these elements on public perceptions. Public health institutes and other authorities might be able to mitigate the amplification of risks through media coverage by means of appropriate preparedness and response.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of the media in the amplification of a contested health risk: Rubber granulate on sport fields

et al. 2021

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“…In addition, participants often believed that scientists have determined that a substance is a health hazard, while in fact this was not the case (c.f. Jansen et al, 2019). Misinterpretations like these are likely to affect perceptions of food safety (Verbeke et al, 2007) and trust in authorities (Campbell, 2011; Poortinga and Pidgeon, 2005).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, Wiedemann et al (2014) showed that the public greatly overestimated the magnitude of risk when interpreting “possibly carcinogenic,” while in fact the technical risk (chance × effect) is still undetermined. Also, Jansen et al (2019) showed that members of the general public often associate the term “uncertain risk” with a lack of personal control, low likelihood, and uncertainties due to delayed effects, all implying that the public assumes that a risk exists. People may have negative associations with specific words.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘It is not entirely healthy.’ A qualitative study into public appraisals of uncertain risks of chemical substances in food

Jansen¹,

Claassen

Kamp

et al. 2020

Public Underst Sci

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For some chemical substances in food, scientific uncertainty prevents definitive statements about the presence of risk for human health. In this qualitative study, we explored the public’s understanding and risk appraisal of these substances. During semi-structured interviews, participants from the public were presented with inconclusive risk information about either a food additive or one of two food contaminants. Findings show that interviewees had no prior knowledge and constructed their risk appraisal on the spot. Results suggest that generic and case specific beliefs and inferences affect understanding and appraisal. Respondents’ interpretations of the risk messages used in this study were often not in line with what the message intended to convey. In addition, specific use of scientific jargon was associated with increased risk. In general, respondents were more apprehensive about the presence of the chemical in food than that they were worried about the chance of experiencing health effects.

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Uncertainty in individual risk judgments associates with vulnerability and curtailed climate adaptation

Noll

Filatova

Need

et al. 2023

Journal of Environmental Management

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Understanding of the concept of ‘uncertain risk’. A qualitative study among different societal groups

Abstract: View related articles View Crossmark data Citing articles: 2 View citing articles Understanding of the concept of 'uncertain risk'. A qualitative study among different societal groups

Cited by 9 publications

References 39 publications

The role of the media in the amplification of a contested health risk: Rubber granulate on sport fields

The role of the media in the amplification of a contested health risk: Rubber granulate on sport fields

‘It is not entirely healthy.’ A qualitative study into public appraisals of uncertain risks of chemical substances in food

Uncertainty in individual risk judgments associates with vulnerability and curtailed climate adaptation

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