The Chapman University Survey on American Fears

Through a complex series of analyses, we were able to determine what types of people tend to fear certain things (crime vs. natural disasters vs. the government, etc.) and what personal characteristics tend to be associated with the most types of fear.

In our survey we asked a random sample of Americans about fears, of natural disasters. We then asked whether they had taken recommended preparedness steps such as assembling an emergency kit. Despite widespread fear, the vast majority of those surveyed do not have emergency kits—even in regions hardest hit by natural disasters.

In our survey we asked a random sample of Americans about dozens of concerns and fears across four major domains …

Despite evidence to the contrary, Americans do not feel like the United States is becoming a safer place. We asked a random sample of Americans how they think the prevalence of several crimes today, compare to twenty years ago.