The Psychology of Risk

Since the first edition of The Psychology of Risk there have been enormous macro-economic and socio-political changes globally - the chaos in the world banking system and the financial crisis and recessions that it presaged; the Arab Spring and the revolutionary shifts in power in the Middle East with rippled consequences around the world; the development of ever-more sophisticated cyber-terrorism that can strike the private individual or the nation state with equal ease. Amidst these changes in the face of hazard, do the psychological models built to explain human reactions to risk still apply? Has the research over the last few years resulted in an improvement in our understanding of how people perceive and act in relation to risk? In this second edition Professor Dame Breakwell uses illustrations and current examples to address these questions and provide a totally up-to-the minute review of what is known about the psychology of risk.

Glynis M. Breakwell is Vice Chancellor of the University of Bath. She is a psychologist specialising in leadership, identity processes, risk communication and military cultures, and her research has resulted in her acting as an adviser to a number of government departments including the Department of Health, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Defence. Professor Dame Breakwell has published over twenty books and hundreds of journal articles. Her latest publication is the fourth edition of Research Methods in Psychology (co-edited with Smith and Wright, 2012).

'This updated second edition The Psychology of Risk is a captivating book. Once again Professor Glynis Breakwell has produced a most insightful volume, crammed with all the latest theoretical findings running from affect heuristic to nudge, and contemporary risk examples. It is essential reading for policy makers, consultants and academics who have an interest in risk.' Ragnar Lofstedt, King's College London 'The second edition of Glynis Breakwell's book The Psychology of Risk provides a comprehensive, accurate and appealing review of the complex research field of risk perception. It can serve as a valuable resource for advanced students as well as risk managers, communicators and regulators.' Ortwin Renn, University of Stuttgart, and President of the International Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) 'In this carefully updated, timely text, Breakwell provides rigorous analysis and insights into the social psychological consequences of, and resources for, living in a world of increasing risk and uncertainty.' Caro