Influence mechanism of coping behaviours for natural hazards: Empirical study in Henan, China

Abstract

Natural hazards caused by climate change have increased in frequency in recent years, causing global threats to life and economic losses. Appropriate coping behaviours can help reduce disaster risks and protect lives and property. However, the mechanisms underlying the influence of different coping behaviours remain poorly understood. This study collected questionnaire data from Henan Province, China, and used a structural equation model to explore the influencing factors, influence degree, and influence path of positive, negative, and risky coping behaviours. The results showed that (1) the level of risk perception increased with increasing familiarity with disasters and information about consequence severity and with decreasing trust in authorities. Perceived controllability improved with increased familiarity with disasters, trust in authorities, and reduced information about consequence severity; (2) risk perception and perceived controllability moderated the impact of familiarity with disasters, information about consequence severity, and trust in authorities for three different coping behaviours; (3) information about consequence severity was the greatest driving force affecting positive coping behaviours and negative coping behaviours and the degree of trust in the authorities was the greatest driving force affecting risky coping behaviours. These findings provide a reference for the government to guide the public to adopt positive coping behaviours and reduce the risks of natural hazards.