A study on the relationship between women’s fear of crime and CPTED elements using EEG analysis: focused on low-rise residential alleys

Abstract

This study explores the psychological and physiological impacts of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) elements on young women’s fear of crime and sense of safety in residential alleyways. Unlike prior research focused solely on surveys, this study integrates survey data with electroencephalography (EEG) to capture unconscious responses. Conducted in Seoul’s Gwanak District under five CPTED conditions–featuring lighting, S-Poles, and signage–safety and fear of crime were assessed during both day and night. Survey results identified the “All Elements” condition as most effective, with signage enhancing daytime safety through directional information and lighting reducing nighttime fear by improving visibility and enabling natural surveillance. EEG analysis revealed the highest safety index (Rα/Rβ) during daytime signage conditions and the most effective fear reduction index (Rα/Rγ) under nighttime lighting, emphasizing time-specific impacts. Notably, survey results favored combined CPTED elements, whereas EEG findings showed stronger responses to individual elements like lighting or signage. This suggests the need to balance CPTED elements strategically. By highlighting temporal and perceptual differences, this study underscores the importance of visual cues during the day and visibility at night, offering practical guidance for CPTED strategies that enhance urban safety for young women.