A Model of Perceived Risk and Intended Risk-Handling Activity

On the basis of previous reviews of the perceived-risk concept, a model of risk perception and its effects on consumers' risk-handling behavior is formulated. Hypotheses derived from this model are empirically tested and indicate that, for the setting studied (women purchasing a dress), the intended use of risk-handling activity increases with higher levels of perceived risk. This relationship is more pronounced after the level of risk exceeds the individual's acceptable level of risk. Also of importance in determining the use of a risk-handling activity are the perceived benefit of the type of risk-handling activity and the consumer's inability to absorb a monetary loss. Copyright 1994 by the University of Chicago.