DEVELOPMENT OF A RISK PERCEPTION SCALE FOR MARINE POLLUTION EXPOSURE

Abstract

Marine pollution poses profound ecological risks and significant threats to the health of coastal populations. Comprehending the ways in which communities interpret these threats is essential for crafting purposeful awareness campaigns and intervention policies. This study’s objective was to create and rigorously validate a Risk Perception Scale tailored to marine pollution. Following a clearly defined protocol, we generated items, obtained expert review, conducted pilot tests, and employed a phased statistical approach. Both Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses identified three core dimensions—Cognitive Awareness, Affective Concern, and Behavioral Intention—that together explain 71.3% of the total variance. The overall scale exhibited high internal reliability (α > 0.79) and acceptable fit indices (RMSEA = 0.054, CFI = 0.96). Multiple regression indicated a statistically significant relationship (R² = 0.462) between perceived exposure levels and subsequent behavioral choices, further corroborated by a Mean Absolute Error of 0.31. Illustrative graphical data revealed a consistent rise in behavioral scores as exposure perception intensified. By providing a psychometrically sound instrument, the scale facilitates a nuanced assessment of community risk perceptions and offers a foundation for informing targeted environmental communication and policy formulation in marine contexts.