Cognitive and affective predictors of risks from wolves

Wolf populations are growing across the Midwestern United States. Consequently, wildlife managers have been pressed to develop management strategies that address growing public concerns. Understanding the psychological... [ view full abstract ]

Wolf populations are growing across the Midwestern United States. Consequently, wildlife managers have been pressed to develop management strategies that address growing public concerns. Understanding the psychological mechanisms that underpin the public's perceived risks from wolves will help to develop strategies that address these risks, and elucidate areas where outreach efforts may shift attitudes. In this study we test a model, rooted in the cognitive hierarchy, examining the psychological antecedents to perceived risks from wolves among residents of Illinois, USA. Specifically, we hypothesize that individuals’ perceived risks are function of specific beliefs about wolves, negative affect toward wolves, and underlying wildlife value orientations. Data for this study were drawn from a statewide survey of the Illinois public (n=2,500) conducted from November, 2015 through February, 2016. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Results revealed that specific beliefs about wolves and negative affect toward wolves are direct antecedents to perceived risks to humans and animals. Wildlife value orientations were found to predict specific beliefs about wolves and negative affect toward wolves. Negative affect was revealed to predict specific beliefs. Wildlife value orientations were also found to have a direct effect on perceived risks. The model accounted for 54% of the variance in specific beliefs about wolves, 27% of the variance in negative affect, and 33% and 40% of the variance in perceived risks to animals and humans respectively. The results of this study add to a growing body of knowledge surrounding the psychological antecedents to risk, especially the role of emotion in risk perceptions associated with predators.