Passive and Active Risk-Taking
Passive risks are risks brought on, or magnified, by inaction (e.g., not reading the “fine print” before signing an agreement, not saving for a pension). They differ from active risks, which result from actions people take that put them at risk (e.g., smoking, driving above the speed limit). In our lab, we developed the PRT scale to measure these types of risks. We have demonstrated that passive risk-taking is not linked to classic risk correlates such as sensation seeking, but shows ties to inaction-oriented tendencies such as procrastination and avoidance — variables previously not regarded as relevant to risk-taking.
Thus, passive risk-taking may be considered a unique domain of risk-taking. We are currently examining other individual differences, such as self-control, time perspective, and anxiety, that differentiate between passive and active risk-taking tendencies. Additionally, we examine the application of passive risk tendencies to real-world risks, such as Cyber or health risks.
For materials related to this topic, take a look at our lab's research publications
Avoiding action to reduce climate change as Passive Risk-Taking
Climate change presents a global challenge that depends heavily on individual and collective decisions. Yet many people fail to take meaningful action despite recognizing the risks. From a behavioral science perspective, this pattern can be understood as passive risk-taking — risks that emerge through inaction rather than deliberate choice.
Our lab investigates how people perceive the risks of climate change, the psychological mechanisms underlying inaction, and the factors that motivate behavioral engagement. By studying climate behavior through the lens of passive risk, we aim to reveal how cognitive biases, temporal discounting, and avoidance tendencies shape responses to long-term threats, and what may encourage more effective climate action.
For materials related to this topic, take a look at our lab's research publications.
