PSYCHOLOGICAL CONCEPTS OF RISK AND RISKY BEHAVIOR

Abstract

The article is devoted to the examination of existing psychological approaches to understanding risky behavior. It reviews theories developed in the psychology of health, labor, and decision-making, analyzes approaches to the concepts of “risk” and “risky behavior” in various scientific fields, and describes the specific features and applicability of these definitions in models of risky behavior. Purpose. The aim of the study is to analyze psychological concepts of risk and risky behavior presented in the scientific literature. Special attention is given to theories developed in the context of health psychology, labor psychology, and decision-making, as well as the unique characteristics of the concepts of “risk” and “risky behavior” in different scientific domains. Methods. The research employs methods of theoretical analysis, classification, and generalization. The study examines psychophysiological, cognitive, and mixed models of risk and risky behavior. Particular attention is paid to subjective aspects of risk perception, cognitive decision-making mechanisms, and their dependence on context. Results. The author identifies that the concept of risk is multifaceted and varies depending on the field of application. Key models such as the homeostatic risk theory, the health belief model, and the theory of planned behavior are reviewed. Subjective risk perception is determined to be a critical element in the formation of risky behavior. Cognitive processing mechanisms in risky situations, which can lead to decision-making errors, are also described. Conclusions. The study highlights the complexity and multifaceted nature of risky behavior. It emphasizes that none of the existing models is universal and each explains only specific aspects of this phenomenon. The necessity for a comprehensive approach to the study of risk and risky behavior is justified by both theoretical and practical challenges.This research is valuable for specialists in health psychology, labor psychology, safety, and decision-making, as well as for scholars interested in the issue of risk in behavioral models.