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People’s fear of sharks: a qualitative analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Brianna Le Busque

    (University of South Australia)

  • Philip Roetman

    (Adjunct. STEM, University of South Australia)

  • Jillian Dorrian

    (University of South Australia)

  • Carla Litchfield

    (University of South Australia)

Abstract

Despite the risk of a shark attacking a human being statistically low, these interactions can cause people to fear sharks. A handful of previous studies have found that people often report a moderate fear of sharks (5.9–6.5 on a 10-point scale). The current study utilizes qualitative open-ended methodologies to understand people’s experiences with sharks and fear of both sharks and the ocean. The majority of participants (N = 400) experienced sharks through the media (e.g., television news and newspapers). Many of the words people associated with sharks related to fear and danger, and sharks were the fourth most common reason given for participants’ fear of the ocean and third most common reason for fear of swimming in the open ocean. This study shows how qualitative data can be applied to an environmental conservation context.

Suggested Citation

  • Brianna Le Busque & Philip Roetman & Jillian Dorrian & Carla Litchfield, 2021. "People’s fear of sharks: a qualitative analysis," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 11(2), pages 258-265, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:11:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s13412-020-00654-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-020-00654-1
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