Fear of terrorist attacks and psychological distress in Sub-Saharan Africa: moderated mediation model
ISSN: 1757-8043
Article publication date: 20 September 2023
Issue publication date: 20 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the moderated-mediation roles of perception of police response to crime and digital interclass coalition against crime between fear of terrorist attacks and psychological distress among residents of Tema Metropolis in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
A cluster sampling technique was used in the selection of 577 residents who answered questions on fear of terrorism, perception of police response to crime, digital interclass coalition against crime and psychological distress. The study used regression analysis to assess the hypothesized paths.
Findings
The findings show that digital interclass coalition against crime moderates the partially mediated relationship between perception of police response to crime and residents’ psychological distress.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited in scope by the generalization of its findings, as it was restricted to only residents of Tema Metropolis in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
Originality/value
This research is one of the first in criminal psychology to explore the relevance of police-public engagement in averting large-scale crime in an emerging economy.
Keywords
Citation
Hevi, S.S., Agbenorxevi, C.D., Malcalm, E., Gborse, N.M.M., Hevi, J.M. and Preko, V.Y. (2023), "Fear of terrorist attacks and psychological distress in Sub-Saharan Africa: moderated mediation model", Safer Communities, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 281-295. https://doi.org/10.1108/SC-06-2023-0021
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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