Researchers surveyed 1,500 participants from across the U.S. and looked at fears related to crime and natural disasters. They even touched on the fear of pandemics, such as Ebola.
Topping the list of what it calls "personal fears," the study found that one in four Americans is afraid of walking alone at night.
According to the study, watching a lot of television and having a lower level of education were the most consistent predictors of fear.
Key results from the study:
Top 5 things Americans fear the most
- Walking alone at night
- Becoming the victim of identity theft
- Safety on the Internet
- Being the victim of a mass/random shooting
- Public speaking
Top 5 things Americans worry or are concerned about
- Having identity stolen on the Internet
- Corporate surveillance of Internet activity
- Running out of money in the future
- Government surveillance of Internet activity
- Becoming ill/sick
Top 5 most feared natural disasters
- Tornado/hurricane
- Earthquakes
- Floods
- Pandemic or Major Epidemic
- Power Outage
Top crime-related things that Americans fear
- Child abduction
- Gang violence
- Sexual assaults
- School shootings
PHOTOS: Americans' biggest fears
