The concept of risk-taking is discussed in terms of its essential role in human progress and its roots in evolution. Biological concepts form a basis for personality-trait models of risk-taking, leading to a selection oriented solution in accident causation and prevention. Expected utility, or cost/benefit theories refer to situational influences, leading to training oriented accident causation and prevention models. An intrinsic system rewarding risk-compensation behaviour which ensures an optimal level of risk-taking is proposed. The importance of emotional and personal control concepts is stressed. Research is presented identifying personality traits, situational and interactive variables which influence accident causation and prevention. Implications of risk-compensation processes within a personality x situation risk-model are discussed. Personality variables, and situational factors, such as expected physical, emotional and cognitive utility, and the risk-compensation process itself are considered to be essential to an understanding of accident causation and prevention. (Author/publisher) For the covering abstract see IRRD 870346.
Samenvatting