Living in Anticipation of Violence: Behavioral Modifications in Response to Gendered Fear
Presenter(s)
Kylie S. Buck
Abstract
Fear of victimization remains a pressing concern of women throughout the US. The present study examined protective behaviors due to gendered fear. It was hypothesized that more gender differentiated fear would correlate with more frequent protective behaviors. It was also hypothesized that women with prior experiences with violence, threats of violence, or education in criminal justice would report higher rates of protective behaviors. Participants completed a survey assessing overall fear and behavior modification. Six subscale areas including avoidance, travel strategy, communication, safety tool prevalence, situational awareness, and digital safety were used to measure behavior modification. Following data collection, it is expected that analyses will show an association between greater fear and more prevalent behavior modifications. These findings may suggest that fear of crime is a behavioral driver and highlight the importance of acknowledging the real, tangible social consequences that affect women's daily lives.
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department
Psychology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Tricia Karr
Location
Kryzsko, Minnesota Rooms 223-224, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 1:20 PM
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Living in Anticipation of Violence: Behavioral Modifications in Response to Gendered Fear
Kryzsko, Minnesota Rooms 223-224, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Fear of victimization remains a pressing concern of women throughout the US. The present study examined protective behaviors due to gendered fear. It was hypothesized that more gender differentiated fear would correlate with more frequent protective behaviors. It was also hypothesized that women with prior experiences with violence, threats of violence, or education in criminal justice would report higher rates of protective behaviors. Participants completed a survey assessing overall fear and behavior modification. Six subscale areas including avoidance, travel strategy, communication, safety tool prevalence, situational awareness, and digital safety were used to measure behavior modification. Following data collection, it is expected that analyses will show an association between greater fear and more prevalent behavior modifications. These findings may suggest that fear of crime is a behavioral driver and highlight the importance of acknowledging the real, tangible social consequences that affect women's daily lives.
Comments
Buck, Kylie S