Landscapes of Fear and Stress Paper by: Jack L. Nasar and Kim M. Jones. 2007 Environment and Behavior 29 (3): 291-323 Derrick Burke Sophomore Geography, Chemistry Geog 370, Feb 25, 2008

Fear as an Urban Stressor Fear of being a victim to crime is a major urban stressor in many communities. By understanding “hot spots” of fear, communities can improve the perceived safety of feared areas. Hypothesis: The fear associated with crime is related to concealment and entrapment. Make sure to explain : HOt

Methods: Campus walk Ohio State University Based on a campus survey, a walking route was selected by researchers and group of 26 females walked the route during the late evening hours while recording their feelings and stress responses on a tape recorder.

Methods (Cont.) The tapes were transcribed word for word and comments were classified as (a) an expression of fear, (b) possibly a result of fear, or (c) an expression of safety. Each comment then was categorized as being a response to: (a) social element, (b) physical element, (c) both, or (d) other. For each comment classified as physical it was classified to even a further category: (a) blocked prospect, (b) concealment, (c) entrapment d)other.

Results Comments were displayed in a frequency table What places are feared? Spatial Distribution of Fear Comments were displayed in a frequency table Three most Feared Places Mendehall the Amphitheater Rear of Mendehall The space surrounding these buildings are dark areas

# of Comments and Location

Conclusion Based on the study hiding spots and entrapment are physical aspects an environment that evoke high levels of stress. Modify Fearful Places Limitations Human subject requirements Not a blind study