Determinants of coping strategies in two types of natural hazards: Flash floods and costal flooding

Abstract

Over recent decades, the effects of the intensity of natural disasters, especially hydro-meteorological phenomena, have increased significantly, especially in countries with rapidly-growing economies. Accordingly, it is necessary to identify the coping strategies individuals use and, in particular, their willingness to act. Cognitive and affective variables explain the presence or absence of behavioral intention. The aim of this study was to formulate and empirically test an explanatory model of coping strategies in response to two natural disaster risks: coastal flooding and flash floods. A total of 608 individuals living in Colombia, exposed to these phenomena, participated in our study (257 exposed to flash flooding and 351 to coastal flooding). Structural equation modeling allowed us to establish that although place attachment and personal involvement are constants in determining coping strategies focused on problem solving, the role of risk perception differs significantly according to the risk under study. In the case of flash floods, the longer a person has lived in a place, the more they tend to develop coping strategies to manage stress, while in the case of coastal flooding, risk perception negatively determines strategies based on emotion regulation and avoidance. These findings are discussed in the light of the literature in this field.