Survey research on risk assessment has emphasized risk characteristics
, such as uncontrollability of exposure or the catastrophic potential
of hazards. This study extends past research by examining the importan
ce of individual difference factors. Two hundred forty-nine respondent
s assessed the risk characteristics associated with various technologi
es. In addition, respondents rated perceived risk and personal worry a
nd completed the Desirability of Control Scale and Ambiguity Intoleran
ce Measure. Results indicated that perceived risk and worry were relat
ed to individual difference variables and to some risk characteristics
as well as to interactions among these variables. Perceived risk and
worry differentially predicted the desire for regulations and willingn
ess to take action to decrease the risk associated with technological
hazards. (C) 1997 Academic Press.