Theorist meets Terrorist: A reviewing examination of the impact of threat and efficacy beliefs on fear of terrorism

To investigate how fear of terrorism can be best reduced, a review was conducted on scientific literature referring to the topic. Thereby, it was examined whether the assumptions of Protection Motivation Theory and Extended Parallel Process Model, that threat and coping beliefs impact behavioral responses apply to fear of terrorism. Sixteen research articles were analyzed and their information referring to the research question gathered. The outcomes of the review revealed that Protection Motivation Theory and Extended Parallel Process Model have the potential to explain fear of terrorism to a certain degree. It was found that higher threat beliefs as perceived severity and perceived probability lead to increases in fear. Further, stronger coping beliefs were associated to the reduction of fear and worry responses. Additionally, the impact and role of the media, the government and other aspects of relevance were discussed. The information derived from the review may prove useful for the guidance of future research as well as for the development of effective risk communication strategies and interventions aimed at the reduction of fear and other negative responses to terrorism.