Examining the Risk Perception-Disaster Preparedness Behavior Nexus in the Seismic Context of Bucharest

Abstract

This research relied on an extended theory of planed behavior, introducing risk perception as a predictor of the willingness to implement earthquake preparedness behavior, and examining its relationships with the traditional components of the theory. The study used an online snowball sample of 369 participants from Bucharest, collected in February–March 2024. The sample is almost equally divided between women and men, aged 18 to 65, most of them holding higher education degrees and living in apartment buildings with more than eight floors. The investigation revolved around two hypotheses: (1) subjective norm is the primary driver of the intention to conduct preparedness behavior in Bucharest; and (2) different constructs (behavior factors) amplify or impede changes in disaster preparedness behavior, also serving as catalysts for these changes. A highlight of the results is that risk perception does not directly influence disaster preparedness behavior or intention to prepare, but it is strongly linked to subjective norm. The limited association between risk perception and attitudes toward disaster preparedness behavior warrants further analysis. These insights into the drivers of disaster preparedness are essential for developing effective programs to raise awareness about seismic risk, seismic adjustments, risk mitigation, and capacity building.

Keywords

Bucharest / Disaster preparedness behavior / Earthquake preparedness / Extended theory of planned behavior / Risk perception

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