The effects of fatalism and denial on earthquake preparedness levels

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of awareness and beliefs on college students’ preparedness for earthquake risks in Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was used to investigate Lebanese college students’ (n=901) perceptions and preparedness for earthquake hazards. Three factors were assessed to determine students’ disaster preparedness (DP): hazard and vulnerability awareness (HVA), fatalistic beliefs (FB) and denial beliefs (DB).

Findings

The findings indicate an above average level of earthquake HVA among college students. Although the results do not reflect a high tendency towards DB, participants showed some inclinations to FB. Multiple regression showed that earthquake HVA plays the most important role in determining earthquake preparedness while denial and FB have a negative effect on DP. Fatalism is embedded in Middle Eastern societies, so higher education institutions are urged to increase the preparation knowledge of college students.

Originality/value

This study offers a discussion of the interaction of awareness and belief factors and their effects on vulnerable communities.

Citation

Baytiyeh, H. and Naja, M. (2016), "The effects of fatalism and denial on earthquake preparedness levels", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 154-167. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPM-07-2015-0168