Fear of Crime among Older Persons

Methodological problems and empirical questions pertaining to the conditions and consequences of fear of crime are investigated in a series of questionnaire surveys. The aim of this study are twofold. First, methods permitting the more accurate assessment of fear of crime are to be developed using several versions of assessment instruments from earlier studies. This should also help to clarify the theoretical conceptualization of fear of crime. Second, the results of earlier studies on fear of crime among older persons are to be validated and further differentiated. In particular, gerontopsychological aspects (activities of daily living, mobility, health and morbidity, perceived vulnerability, etc.) are to be integrated in a single assessment. Initial results are currently being prepared for publication.