Psychological factors affecting flood coping strategies

There is an acknowledged need to improve the resilience of those at risk of flooding in areas of the UK. Studies of disaster preparedness worldwide indicate raising awareness of a hazard does not necessarily engender action. In the UK the majority of the at-risk population do not display adaptation behaviours until they have experienced one or more flood events, a finding not adequately explained by levels of information provision or financial pressures. An appreciation of the psychological underpinning of current behaviour patterns, including decision-making processes, can illuminate our understanding of the strategies employed. A review of relevant psychological theories affecting adaptation behaviours in a variety of hazard situations is presented. Findings reveal the influence of belief systems, such as locus of control and self-efficacy, on decision-making in risk environments: statistically significant correlations have been noted between the types of hazard-behaviours displayed and the scores obtained on the relevant belief system metrics. It is suggested psychometric measures might be employed as capability indicators and adoption of such techniques may contribute to improved resilience in the future.