The Psychology of Protective Behavior
What determines whether people will protect themselves against the severe losses that might arise from some low-probability hazard? What factors underlie the perception and acceptability of technological risks? The answers to questions such as these are vital for understanding how people cope with threats from accidents, diseases, and natural hazards, and for helping them manage their lives more effectively in the face of such risks. This paper illustrates the role that the psychological study of judgment and decision processes can play in providing answers to these questions. Recent experiments studying insurance decisions, risk perceptions, and the evaluation of technological risks are described along with the implications of this research for matters of public safety.
Twelve trainees (3 men and 9 women) who had recently completed predoctoral internships at a university counseling center were interviewed about what they had learned from clients. Data were analyzed using a consensual qualitative research method. Participants reported learning things about doing therapy, themselves, client dynamics, human nature, the therapy relationship, and the usefulness of supervision. In addition, participants highlighted the importance of consultation and self-reflection to help them recognize what they learned. Implications for practice and research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).