Abstract

Research on the fear of everyday and violent crimes spans multiple disciplines, including sociology, criminology, and psychology. However, the underlying causes and processes that contribute to this fear remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the impact of trust in administrative agencies on the fear of everyday and violent crimes, and to identify the variables that mediate and moderate this relationship. By understanding these mechanisms, we can better inform strategies to alleviate fear of crime. In an analysis of 1,000 Seoul citizens, the findings revealed that individuals who harbor distrust towards administrative bodies, such as local or central government, are more likely to predict an increase in everyday and violent crimes over the next decade. This perception significantly contributes to their fear of these crimes in daily life. Moreover, the study found that gender moderates the relationship between trust in administrative agencies and psychological outlook on crime. Specifically, women who expressed distrust in administrative agencies were more likely to anticipate an increase in crime, which in turn heightened their fear. In contrast, for men, the level of trust in administrative agencies did not significantly affect their crime outlook. These findings suggest that enhancing trust in administrative agencies could play a crucial role in improving citizens’ sense of safety and well-being, particularly for women, thereby promoting social integration and harmony.