Hurricane mitigation decision-making: an application of the theory of planned behavior
Date
2018
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
This thesis explores how emotions and perceptions of possible mitigation options influences the hurricane mitigation decision making processes of homeowners. It utilizes the theory of planned behavior to guide the design of a test of how homeowners’ attitudes, the influence of important persons in their lives, and their perceptions of the characteristics of the mitigation actions impact their intention to complete hurricane mitigation actions. The study also extends the existing literature by exploring how different types of emotional responses towards hurricanes vary in their influence on the household’s mitigation decisions. The analysis utilizes data from a survey sent to a random sample of 2500 households in the eastern half of North Carolina. Results suggest that the theory is helpful in explaining the underlying mechanisms of individual homeowners’ hazard mitigation decision making. Further, they provide the basis for suggestions on how to best motivate homeowners to complete these actions in the future.
Description
Keywords
Social sciences, Decision making, Hurricane mitigation, Planned behavior, Risk perception