Understanding Safety Attitudes: The Intersection Of Cognitive Dissonance And Risk Perception In The Maritime Industry

Abstract

The maritime industry operates within inherently hazardous environments, where safety compliance is critical but often compromised due to psychological and organizational factors. This study investigates the relationship between cognitive dissonance and risk perception in shaping safety attitudes among maritime professionals. Using a mixed-method research design, data were collected from 405 maritime personnel across various job roles and levels of experience. The study employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine both the direct and indirect relationships between risk perception, cognitive dissonance, and safety attitudes. The results indicate that risk perception has a significant positive impact on safety attitudes, with cognitive dissonance partially mediating this relationship. Additionally, demographic factors—such as age, education, and experience—were found to influence both cognitive dissonance and safety attitudes, highlighting the importance of individual characteristics in safety behavior. The findings reveal that psychological conflicts can arise when operational demands contradict safety values, leading to rationalization and non-compliance. These insights emphasize the need for psychologically informed interventions, such as VR-based simulations, participatory safety training, and cognitive load monitoring, to reduce dissonance and enhance risk awareness. This study contributes to the literature on maritime safety by integrating psychological theory into safety behavior models and offering practical recommendations for fostering a resilient safety culture aligned with behavioral norms in maritime operations.