Correlates of earthquake cognitions and preparedness behavior in a victimized population

Abstract

A survey of earthquake victims in Erzincan (a town in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey) was conducted 16 months after a major earthquake to explore the relations of earthquake-related cognitions and preparedness behavior to a set of personal, residential, experiential, and affect variables. Data from a sample of 461 adults representing different households indicated that earthquake expectations and preparedness could be predicted by fear, perceived control, and educational background. Results also indicated that damage anticipation was related to height and perceived strength of residence as well as to perceived control and trust in officials. Severity of past experience did not appear to have the predicted effect on quake cognitions and preparedness.