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How do Psychological Factors Influence Disaster Preparedness? Evidence from Disaster-Stricken Mountainous Areas of China

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2025

Jing Tan ,
Lei Lin  and
Tingjin Cao
Jing Tan*
Affiliation:
School of Public Policy and Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China Center for Public Economics & Public Policy, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
Lei Lin
Affiliation:
School of Economics, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, Chongqing, China
Tingjin Cao
Affiliation:
Taizhou Ocean Investment Development Group Limited, Zhejiang, China
*
Corresponding author: Jing Tan; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objectives

Disaster preparedness plays a vital role in mitigating risks and strengthening resilience of local communities in rural areas. This study examines the linkage between psychological factors and 4 kinds of disaster preparedness intentions and explores the challenges in translating intentions into actions.

Methods

This study utilized survey data from 325 households in Chongqing, China, that are threatened by geological disasters. We conducted empirical analysis using a regression model and carried out several robustness tests. The independent variables, psychological factors, are divided into risk appraisal, coping appraisal, and stakeholder appraisal. The dependent variable, disaster preparedness intentions, includes evacuation, disaster insurance, emergency supplies storage, and behaving eco-friendly.

Results

Multiple psychological factors have significant influence on disaster preparedness intentions, with varying impacts on different preparedness aspects. Social barriers—lack of capital, access, and triggers—hinder translating preparedness intentions into actions.

Conclusions

Our study integrates protection motivation theory and protective action decision model to understand psychological factors influencing disaster preparedness in rural China. We identify key factors significantly impact preparedness intentions and uncover barriers hindering the translation of intentions into actions. The findings underscore the importance of integrated approaches that bridge the gap between psychological awareness and the availability of resources, ultimately fostering a more resilient society in the face of disasters.

Keywords

psychological factorsdisaster preparednessresiliencecapacity building
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 18 , 2024 , e339
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc

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