Behavioral stages of change framework for managing disaster risk and preparedness

Abstract

Research on disasters and extreme events often focuses more on hazards and less on how people change their behavior to prepare for these hazards. However, a better understanding of why people might be hesitant to take action and prepare for disasters could be instrumental in reducing risks and related losses. A clearer theoretical analysis is needed to connect behavioral change to disaster risks. Correspondingly, this study reviews behavioral change theories as applied to disasters. This paper employs a systematic literature review of prescreened titles, abstracts, and keywords, and then analyzes the selected articles in depth. Findings indicate that social theories used in health and risk studies are relevant to understanding behavioral change in the context of disasters. Moreover, we argue that Diffusion of Innovation theories are more often applied to groups or institutions, while the Transtheoretical Model as well as Stages of Change are more often applied to individuals. Within specific Stages of Change, the Response phase is covered in greater detail than the Prevention phase in almost all theories of disaster risk. Confirmation, reappraisal, and maintenance phases are covered much less frequently in studies and theories. A conceptual framework is developed to classify and compare stages of change and to integrate all theories into a framework for disaster risk studies. Disaster risk researchers can apply the findings to develop more robust theoretical models to better understand disaster risk. This can also guide more systematic disaster relief actions, as well as planning and strategic development for policy-making.