The current study aims to investigate emotional and cognitive reactions in victims of a natural disaster. We conducted a research in a community that experienced the flood which occurred in May 2002 in eastern Piemonte (Italy). Data collection took place one month after the flood. 80 subjects (aged 18-69 years) filled up a questionnaire designed to investigate retrospectively immediate reactions to flood (perception of danger, feelings, appraisal, and behavioral reactions) and post-disaster cognitive reconstruction of the event (representation of causes and attribution of responsibilities). Results showed that subjects became aware of the danger through a direct perception of flood consequences on the environment and on the territory. The most frequently experienced emotion was fear that was a primary signal of a situation of threat for survival and well-being. However, this signal was not followed by flight: the most frequent typology of coping response was fight, which was probably mediated by a process of reappraisal of the situation. Regarding cognitive reconstruction processes following the disaster, subjects attributed causes of the event mostly to human interventions of environmental deterioration and to inadequate management of the territory. Major responsibilities for the disaster were also attributed to public institutions. Findings give some suggestions to prevent maladaptive behaviors in situations of serious environmental risk.
Reazioni emotive e cognitive ai disastri naturali: un'indagine empirica in un comune alluvionato in Piemonte.
GALATI, Dario;
2003-01-01
Abstract
The current study aims to investigate emotional and cognitive reactions in victims of a natural disaster. We conducted a research in a community that experienced the flood which occurred in May 2002 in eastern Piemonte (Italy). Data collection took place one month after the flood. 80 subjects (aged 18-69 years) filled up a questionnaire designed to investigate retrospectively immediate reactions to flood (perception of danger, feelings, appraisal, and behavioral reactions) and post-disaster cognitive reconstruction of the event (representation of causes and attribution of responsibilities). Results showed that subjects became aware of the danger through a direct perception of flood consequences on the environment and on the territory. The most frequently experienced emotion was fear that was a primary signal of a situation of threat for survival and well-being. However, this signal was not followed by flight: the most frequent typology of coping response was fight, which was probably mediated by a process of reappraisal of the situation. Regarding cognitive reconstruction processes following the disaster, subjects attributed causes of the event mostly to human interventions of environmental deterioration and to inadequate management of the territory. Major responsibilities for the disaster were also attributed to public institutions. Findings give some suggestions to prevent maladaptive behaviors in situations of serious environmental risk.
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