Risk from the view of evaluation and coping

The aim of the study is to contribute to the explanation of mechanisms of risk evaluation depending on selected cognitive features of risk, on individual coping styles, and on selected demographic variables. The statistical analysis of the results showed that the cognitive features of risk (knowledge concerning the risk, subjective control of the risk, experience with the risk, personal vs. general risk, risk concerning the future generations) influenced its evaluation more significantly than the selected coping styles (only the flight tendency proved to be significant). The results of the study indicated differences in global risks evaluation depending on differences in values and world views orientation. The results indicated the existence of the tendency to minimize the one's own exposure to danger. The inter-sexual differences in risks evaluation were not validated. A model for risks evaluation is suggested in the conclusion of the study.