Adaptive Appraisals Research Articles

Leveraging adversity during pandemics: the role of adaptive cognitive appraisals of self and others in mental health outcomes among students

Researchers have paid limited attention to the role of adaptive cognitive appraisals in conferring resilience. In this study, we demonstrate the influence of positive appraisals of problem-solving ability and social support on mental health outcomes. A random sample of students at a university in South Africa ( n = 322) participated in the study. They completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Problem-Solving Inventory, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Mediation analysis found that problem-solving appraisal and social support jointly and separately mediated the effects of perceived stress on hopelessness. The combined effect of social support and problem-solving appraisal on life satisfaction was significant; however, only social support was found to mediate the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction. The findings indicate that adaptive appraisals of self and others are potential sources of resilience that can buffer individuals from the adverse impact of stressful life events.

Which factors determine adaptation to drought amongst farmers in Northern Thailand? Investigating farmers’ appraisals of risk and adaptation and their exposure to drought information communications as determinants of their adaptive responses

Drought communications constitute an important source of learning about climate risks and responses that can assist adaptation decision-making amongst those whose livelihoods are threatened by drought. This paper applies Protection Motivation Theory to explore associations between drought communications and attitudes towards drought risk and adaptation amongst farmers in Northern Thailand. The analysis reveals links between drought communications, farmers’ adaptation appraisal, and their adaptation decisions, whilst links with risk appraisal are minimal. The results highlight positive feedbacks between adaptation experience and appraisal and reveal a weak negative relationship between risk appraisal and adaptation appraisal. The findings imply benefits to framing drought communications in terms of the efficacy and attainability of suitable adaptations, rather than simply highlighting drought risks or providing drought warnings, to best enable farmers to build drought resilience.

Preparing patients diagnosed with ESKD for climate-driven Atlantic hurricanes

IntroductionPersons diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who require in-center hemodialysis are among the most vulnerable patients in this era of compounding disasters. Climate change is making Atlantic hurricanes stronger and wetter, with a tendency to stall at the time of landfall, resulting in more powerful and damaging storms that may disrupt dialysis and clinical services for ESKD patients. COVID-19 and airborne disease transmission complicates hurricane evacuation and sheltering. This complex risk landscape requires tailored approaches to disaster preparedness for patients, clinicians, and dialysis providers. MethodsWe interviewed dialysis providers about their 2022 Hurricane Ian experience. We developed a survey that examines ESKD patients’ hurricane threat appraisal, adaptation appraisal, hurricane experience, and disaster preparedness (household preparedness, COVID-19 prevention, ESKD-specific preparedness). ResultsDialysis providers have developed elaborate strategies for warning, preparing, and predialyzing their patients when a hurricane is approaching. They prestage tanker trucks with pure water and with diesel fuel to power the auxiliary generators to provide electricity. Among 232 dialysis centers closed on the day when Hurricane Ian made landfall, 50% were operational 2 days poststorm and 99% were operational 5 days poststorm. Patient preparedness survey results will be presented. DiscussionCompared with other medically vulnerable patient populations, patients with ESKD are disaster-prepared and supported by their network of dialysis providers to maintain or rapidly restart their life-sustaining treatments. ConclusionsMultilayered, climate-driven disaster risks amplify the urgency for developing effective approaches for safeguarding patients with ESKD, their caregivers, their providers, and their care systems.

Understanding Residents’ Intention to Adapt to Climate Change in Urban Destinations—A Case Study of Chang-Zhu-Tan Urban Agglomeration

While urban destinations have been affected by climate change, they are also at the vanguard of climate change adaptation. However, there is limited evidence from the urban destination point of view showing how they perceive or adapt to climate change influences. Therefore, this study bridges the gap by adopting the protection motivation theory to investigate residents’ perceptions of climate change risks and their adaptation intentions. Web-based questionnaires were developed and distributed to respondents, specifically residents in the CZT (Chang-Zhu-Tan) urban agglomeration. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to explore the underlying mechanisms. The findings show that the residents were already aware of the impact of global climate change and were well informed with regard to the relevant information. The key factors driving the residents’ intention to adapt to the changing climate were identified, and include information, risk perception, perceived adaptive capacity, and adaptive incentives. Importantly, receiving the relevant information can greatly enhance an individual’s risk awareness and adaptation appraisal ability. When people perceive greater climatic hazards and adaptive ability, they are more inclined to undertake climate interventions. Additionally, adaptive incentives have a considerable influence on adaptation appraisal, and greater incentives will mobilize residents to better adapt to climate change. The results provide useful suggestions, such as enhancing climate risk awareness and building adaptive capacity for urban destinations to generate better policies and strategies in climate adaptation and destination management.

Examining the associations between physical activity, self-esteem, perceived stress, and internalizing symptoms among older adolescents.

In older adolescence, stress has been found to be prevalent. It has been seen that higher physical activity (PA) relates to lower stress levels, which, in turn, relates to fewer anxiety and depressive symptoms (internalizing symptoms). However, how these associations function is not fully understood. PA is strongly associated with greater self-esteem in adolescents. As greater self-esteem is thought to aid better coping with stress and has been seen as beneficial for mental health in adolescents, PA may be associated with lower stress and better mental health through self-esteem and more adaptive stress appraisals. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the relationships between PA, self-esteem, stress, and mental health. A cross-sectional design was employed, and path analysis was implemented. PA, self-esteem, stress appraisals, distress tolerance, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression were assessed using online questionnaires from 244 adolescent participants from the United Kingdom (aged 15-19, M = 16.75 [SD = 0.82], 145 female). Path analysis revealed that PA was associated with lower perceived stress through increased self-esteem, adaptive appraisals, and higher distress tolerance (total standardized indirect effect; p = .007 (-0.25 to -0.11). Moreover, lower perceived stress was associated with lower anxiety (standardized direct effect; p < .001 [2.65-4.0] and depressive symptoms (standardized direct effect; p < .001 [0.33-0.63]). Findings suggest that higher PA could be effective in improving mental health among older adolescents, due to its association with perceived stress through higher self-esteem and more adaptive appraisals of stress.

Asset Portfolios in Climate Change Adaptation and Food Security: Lessons From Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe

Climate variability and change are projected to continue impacting many of the poor and small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to examine how small-scale farmers in the Gokwe South district of Zimbabwe are building their adaptive capacity and resilience against climate change and achieving food security. Primary data was collected using questionnaires both in structured and semi-structured interviews, and participatory observations through a transect walk for physical observations. The study utilised the participatory climate change asset adaptation appraisal (PCCAA), as a methodological and analytical framework, to explore the different ways in which the small-scale farmers in the Gokwe South district of Zimbabwe are building their adaptive capacity and resilience against climate change. The study also explores the factors that influence small-scale farmers’ adoption of climate change adaptation and food security. The small-scale and rural farmers in Zimbabwe are not passive actors but are actively involved in developing innovative local adaptation strategies using an array of available assets. Findings from this study noted that asset absence or its replacement with the ‘wrong’ mix of assets and asset erosion exacerbated the food insecurity in the Gokwe South district.

Noninvasive Adaptation Appraisal of Antimicrobial Nano-Filled Composite

The aim of this research was to assess the effect of incorporating zein-coated magnesium oxide (zMgO) nanofillers to resin-based composite on the internal adaptation of the restorations using cross-polarisation optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT). Thirty noncarious human molar teeth were used. Class V cavities (3×5 mm) were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of each tooth. Clearfil SE Bond 2 was applied to all the cavities and then the teeth were divided into 3 groups (n=10) as follows: group 1-restored with N-Flow composite; group 2 and group 3-restored with N-Flow composite mixed with different zMgO nanoparticle concentrations (0.3% and 0.5% by weight, respectively) and then light cured using an LED curing device. Specimens were examined for interfacial adaptation examination under CP-OCT. Characterisation of the dental composite incorporating zMgO was done by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Results were analysed with Kruskall-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney U test, at a significance level of P < .05. XRD spectra exhibited the sharp peaks of zMgO in the composite enhanced with zMgO nanoparticles. FESEM analysis showed a uniform distribution of the zMgO nanoparticles in the composite and FTIR illustrated no change in the spectra. The gap percentage along the cavity floor was significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 in comparison to group 1 (P < .05). Also there was a significant difference in gap percentages between groups 2 and 3 (P < .05), with group 3 showing the lowest gap percentage. The incorporation of 0.3% and 0.5% zMgO nanoparticles in flowable composite assists in improving the internal adaptation of the composite to the tooth surface.

What motivates smallholder farmers to adapt to climate change? Insights from smallholder cropping in far-western Nepal

Adaptation to climatic change in smallholder agriculture is pivotal to ensuring food security in many developing countries. Research into adaptation to climate change in smallholder agriculture has often used capital-based indicator frameworks, with only limited consideration of the cognitive dimensions influencing adaptation motivation. In this study, we interviewed 327 farmers in far-western Nepal and the responses were used in structural equation modelling to quantify determinants of adaptation motivation. Results indicate that farmers with a higher level of adaptation appraisal are motivated to adapt, whereas the higher level of threat appraisal exhibited a weak influence. Social drivers such as incentives and subjective norms had a weak effect. Risk experience influenced adaptation motivation negatively. Adaptation cost was negatively related to the adaptation appraisal. Determinants of adaptation motivation varied across agroecosystems. These results suggest that effective adaptation policies must emphasise on the factors that positively contribute to adaptation motivation (e.g., adaptation efficacy) and target interventions that break down the barriers to adaptation (e.g., adaptation cost), while boosting trust and confidence in farmers to adaptation measures. Findings can inform adaptation policies in similar smallholder contexts of Asia/South Asia, while the research approach can be used to generate insights into farmers’ adaptation motivation globally.

Smallholders’ Water Management Decisions in the Face of Water Scarcity from a Socio-Cognitive Perspective, Case Study of Viticulture in Mendoza

Grape producers in the Province of Mendoza (Argentina) are extremely vulnerable to the current water crisis, especially smallholders who have very limited resources to adapt. The discourse on adaptation options is mainly technocratic with a focus on modern irrigation systems not accessible to the majority of grape producers. Thus, this research aims at shedding light and providing information for the design of inclusive adaptation strategies by identifying, with a socio-cognitive model, feasible adaptation options according to grape producers’ perceptions and the related implementation barriers. Grape producers’ water scarcity and adaptation appraisal were explored through qualitative interviews in the Northern Oasis (Mendoza) to better understand how producers’ intentions are shaped through perceptual and socio-cognitive processes. To do so, a socio-cognitive model on grape producers’ adaptation to water scarcity (GPAWS) was developed based on two similar models. The analysis reveals that, as overall grape producers share a similar concern with the risk of water scarcity, their different adaptive behaviours tend to be mostly derived from their differences in adaptation appraisal. Moreover, producers’ adaptation intentions are mainly reactive and limited to answer short term, immediate risks. Most of the grape producers perceive feasibility and plan the implementation of reasonable efficiency measures. However, multiple barriers consequently limit the implementation of such adaptation options perceived as feasible by the producers. The results of this research can support government actors, agriculture research institutes, but also the cooperatives of producers seeking to encourage farmers’ adaptation, by identifying which adaptation options could be implemented according to the type of producers and their adaptation appraisal, but also why certain feasible measures are not being implemented.

Parental Resilience and Quality of Life in Children with Developmental Disabilities in Indonesia: The Role of Protective Factors

The severity of physical, cognitive, and social-emotional challenges in children with developmental disabilities significantly impacts their quality of life. One of the most consistent factors that play a role in the quality of life for children with a developmental disability is parental resilience. Previous research has identified several factors that influence parental resilience. However, this research is limited to Western countries. Little is known about the role of these factors in relation to parental resilience in Asian societies. The present study investigates the longitudinal associations between potential protective factors (fewer stressors, adaptive appraisal, social support, and compensating experiences) and parental resilience and quality of life in Indonesian families with children with developmental disabilities. A three-wave longitudinal design was used to test the indirect link between protective factors, family resilience, and quality of life. Wave one was composed of 497 families, out of which 224 and 209 families participated in waves two (1-year follow-up) and three (2-year follow-up), respectively. The Inventory of Family Protective Factors (IFPP), the Parenting Resilience Elements and the Quality of Life of children scales were used to assess the main concepts. The longitudinal connections between protective variables, parental resilience, and children’s quality of life were tested using cross-lagged path analysis. The results showed that all protective factors predicted parental resilience, and parental resilience predicted the quality of life of children with developmental disabilities.

Recalling autobiographical self-efficacy episodes boosts reappraisal-effects on negative emotional memories.

Self-efficacy is a key construct in behavioral science with significant impact on mental health and wellbeing. A growing body of work has shown that perceptions of self-efficacy can be increased through recall of autobiographical episodes (AEs) of mastery ("self-efficacy memories") in experimental settings. Doing so contributes to improvements in clinically relevant processes, such as emotion regulation and problem solving. Here we examine whether the recall of self-efficacy AEs contributes to more adaptive appraisals for personally experienced negative memories. Seventy-five healthy individuals each identified an idiosyncratic personal negative memory that was screened for emotional attributes. Participants were then asked to either recall self-efficacy (SE, n = 25) or positive (POS, n = 25) autobiographical episodes. We investigated induction effects on subsequent reappraisals of the personal negative memories. The SE induction was associated with significant reductions in distress, and subjective physiological responses as compared to the POS induction. No significant induction effects emerged in autonomic regulation. These findings suggest that recalling self-efficacy episodes may promote adaptive self-appraisals for negative memories, which in turn may contribute to recovery from stressful events and, with further research, may prove to be a useful adjunctive strategy for treatments such as CBT. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Climate risk perception and adaptation of tourism sector in China

Understanding the perceptions of climate change by those working in tourism greatly supports development of adaptation measures in destinations. However, limited evidence of either perceptions or tourism adaptation measures is available from China. Building on protection motivation theory, this study explores how Chinese working in tourism perceive climate change and what their adaptation intentions are. The study demonstrates that the current level of climate risk perception is relatively high, and people feel informed. The results indicate that (1) Information plays an important role in risk and adaptation appraisals; (2) Individuals are more likely to take adaptation measures if they perceive greater climate risks and have higher adaptive capacity; (3) An increase in adaptive incentives would generally support an increase in adaptation appraisal; (4) Providing greater adaptive incentives will motivate tourism staff to take actions and implement adaptation measures. The findings have implications for adaptation policies and strategies in destinations. • A first attempt to examine Chinese tourism employees and managers’ climate change perceptions and adaptation intentions. • The current level of climate risk perception is relatively high, and people feel informed. • Respondents are more likely to take measures if they perceive greater climate risks and have higher adaptive capacity. • Providing more adaptive incentives will motivate tourism staff to take actions and implement adaptation measures.

Hurricane adaptation behaviors in Texas and Florida: exploring the roles of negative personal experience and subjective attribution to climate change

Understanding the motivation to adopt personal household adaptation behaviors in the face of climate change-related hazards is essential for developing and implementing behaviorally realistic interventions that promote well-being and health. Escalating extreme weather events increase the number of those directly exposed and adversely impacted by climate change. But do people attribute these negative events to climate change? Such subjective attribution may be a cognitive process whereby the experience of negative climate-change-related events may increase risk perceptions and motivate people to act. Here we surveyed a representative sample of 1846 residents of Florida and Texas, many of whom had been repeatedly exposed to hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, facing the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. We assessed prior hurricane negative personal experiences, climate-change-related subjective attribution (for hurricanes), risk appraisal (perceived probability and severity of a hurricane threat), hurricane adaptation appraisal (perceived efficacy of adaptation measures and self-efficacy to address the threat of hurricanes), and self-reported hurricane personal household adaptation. Our findings suggest that prior hurricane negative personal experiences and subjective attribution are associated with greater hurricane risk appraisal. Hurricane subjective attribution moderated the relationship between hurricane negative personal experiences and risk appraisal; in turn, negative hurricane personal experiences, hurricane risk appraisal, and adaptation appraisal were positively associated with self-reported hurricane personal adaptation behaviors. Subjective attribution may be associated with elevated perceived risk for specific climate hazards. Communications that help people understand the link between their negative personal experiences (e.g. hurricanes) and climate change may help guide risk perceptions and motivate protective actions, particularly in areas with repeated exposure to threats.

Behavioural determinants of an individual's intention to adapt to climate change: Both internal and external perspectives

Climate change has had a significant negative impact on socio-economic factors and the earth's ecology. To cope with climate change, many countries have employed various policies and measures to reduce damage due to climate change. For individual residents, adaptation behaviour is vital for reducing individual welfare losses. This research analysed how psychological determinants and other external factors influence residents' intention to adapt to climate change. We proposed an extended protection motivation theory (PMT) model, developed a reliable scale and conducted a nationwide field survey. We interviewed 1402 residents in 29 provinces, and 874 valid questionnaires were collected, providing data that were used in a structural equation model. The results show that our model can serve as a reliable framework for analysing the determinants of residents' intention to adapt to climate change. Policy is the most important factor for stimulating the formation of residents' adaptation intention. Risk appraisals and adaptation appraisals have positive and significant impacts on the intention of residents to adopt climate change adaptation behaviour. Information and climate perception do not directly influence residents' behavioural intentions but indirectly affect their intentions through the process of risk appraisal and adaptation appraisal. Corresponding policy suggestions are made that may be helpful for the formulation of adaptation policies.

Moral injury: the effect on mental health and implications for treatment

Moral injury: the effect on mental health and implications for treatment

How women varsity athletes high in self-compassion experience unexpected stressors

Self-compassion appears to promote adaptive appraisals and coping in women athletes (Mosewich et al., 2019), and a self-compassionate perspective may aid athletes in navigating the experience of unexpected stressors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore how women varsity athletes high in self-compassion experience unexpected stressors. More specifically, our research questions were: (1) How do women varsity athletes high in self-compassion appraise unexpected stressors surrounding competition? and (2) How do women varsity athletes high in self-compassion attempt to cope with unexpected stressors surrounding competition? Using utilization-focused purposeful sampling, 216 women varsity athletes completed the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003b). Seven women (Mage = 19.43 years, SD = 1.40) with high self-compassion scores (M = 3.83, SD = 0.48) then participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Through an interpretive description framework (Thorne, 2016), themes were created around appraising and coping with unexpected stressors. Athletes drew on past experiences, a balanced perspective toward sport, and logical appraisal patterns when evaluating unexpected stressors. Furthermore, five themes were developed that illustrate coping efforts: emotional self-awareness to support coping, realizing the experiences of significant others in sport, use of established social network, proactively approaching the problem, and direction of attention to (re-)engage. It appears that varsity women athletes high in self-compassion possess resources that enable them to effectively navigate unexpected stressors. Lay summary: The study explored how athletes who scored high in the construct of self-compassion responded to unexpected stressors that they encountered during competition. Athletes described various approaches that aided them in assessing the unexpected stressors. Athletes engaged in a range of efforts to try to manage unexpected stressors that they experienced. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE To reduce ambiguity surrounding unexpected stressors, athletes should be encouraged to reflect on past experiences with stressors to recognize similarities to the current stressor. Furthermore, reflecting on past experiences can aid athletes in fostering a sense of self-efficacy from previous successes and/or from recognizing the confidence that significant others in sport (e.g., coaches, teammates) have in the athlete to be able to manage the demands of competition. Athletes should develop a range of reactive and proactive coping approaches to respond to and/or reduce the impact of unexpected stressors. Such approaches may include mental skills (e.g., self-talk, physical cues) to facilitate perseverance in the face of unexpected stressors. Establishing and having access to a social support network can aid athletes in preparing for and responding to unexpected stressors. Social support can be emotional (e.g., aiding athletes in managing their emotions), informational (e.g., gathering more information surrounding an unexpected stressor), and/or indirect (e.g., recognizing that other athletes have experienced, or are experiencing, similar challenges).

The role of dispositional emotion regulation strategies on the longitudinal emotional process and subjective performance during a competitive season

The purpose of this study was to shed light on the associations between emotion regulation (ER) strategies used, their emotional processes (including cognitive appraisals and discrete emotions), and subjective performance across a competitive season. A sample of fifteen national-level rink hockey players completed ER questionnaire at the beginning of the season (T0) and reported their experiences of everyday appraisal, emotions, and subjective performance every week. A series of hierarchical linear modelling analyses (HLM) were performed to investigate the associations between the variables. Sobel tests were computed to identify the mediating effects of emotions and appraisals on these relationships. HLM results revealed that (a) T0 adaptive ER strategies were positively related to adaptive appraisals; (b) adaptive appraisals were positively related to pleasant emotions and negatively with unpleasant emotions and opposite relationships emerged for maladaptive appraisals; (c) happiness was positively associated with subjective performance. Sobel tests provided evidence of mediating effects of (a) appraisals in the relationships between T0 adaptive ER and pleasant emotions; and (b) happiness in the relationships between appraisals and subjective performance. The results highlighted the positive relationships between the adaptive dispositional ER strategies at the beginning of the season and the emotional experiences. Moreover, the analyses revealed relationships between appraisals, emotions, and subjective performance of athletes. In sum, this study provided additional knowledge about the capture of the emotional process during a competitive season highlighting the associations between a variety of emotions and selected key variables in a competitive context (i.e. ER strategies, appraisal, subjective performance).

Is it possible to build adolescents’ cognitive adaptive capacity through climate change education? Insights into a two-year long educational programme in North Tyrol (Austria) and South Tyrol (Italy)

Adapting to anthropogenic climate change requires informed citizens capable of managing personal and societal risks. This study explores the contribution of climate change education (CCE) to build adolescents’ cognitive adaptive capacity. As defined by Grothmann and Patt’s (2005) Model of Private Proactive Adaptation to Climate Change (MPPACC), cognitive dimensions of adaptive capacity correspond to climate change risk perception and adaptation appraisal as preconditions for individual adaptation actions. Their model has been operationalised to examine adolescents’ cognitive adaptive capacity in a pre-test–post-test design, and the educational programme Generation F3–Fit for Future is presented as a quasi-experiment linking this concept with CCE. Because cognitive adaptive capacity is a complex and multifaceted concept, this contribution also studies the influence of CCE on knowledge and thinking skills, which are important dimensions as well. Overall, 173 upper-secondary school students aged between 16 and 18 years actively collaborated with 57 scientific and practical experts on climate change adaptation (CCA) in North and South Tyrol. Additionally, the programme included control groups. Over two school years, Generation F3–Fit for Future encouraged students to follow constructivist inquiry-based CCE, and they carried out their own research-oriented CCA projects. A mixed methods approach compared data from a multivariate multilevel mixed model collected by web-based questionnaires (N = 231) and qualitative data from problem-centred interviews (N = 47), which were analysed by documentary method. The results suggest a mismatch between quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data do not show any change in adolescents’ risk perception and adaptation appraisal, but qualitative data reveal that intervention group students demonstrated increased levels of adaptation knowledge and elaborated critical as well as forward thinking skills. Control group students did not show such capacities after standard curriculum education. It is concluded that CCE holds potential to build several dimensions of adolescents’ cognitive adaptive capacity. Upcoming research should further explore mixed research approaches and advance adaptive capacity theory to better understand this concept.

Adaptive Capacity for Climate Change in Maldivian Rural Communities

The research presented in this paper studied the functional linkages between risk and adaptation appraisal and the psychosocial discourse variables that influence the outcomes for adaptive capacity of island communities to the impact of climate change. Qualitative data was gathered from focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews in five, purposively selected communities of the Maldives, from June to December 2015. The findings showed that risk appraisal was enhanced by direct experiences encountered and social construction of climate change. We found that a negative appraisal of adaptation arises due to lack of resources, fatalism and wishful thinking. While objective adaptive capacity was low, a higher subjective adaptive capacity was observed. The results also showed that people’s ecological knowledge of the reef-island systems depended on their livelihood practices, and that changes to modern livelihood practices can lead to loss of deep ecological knowledge and lead to dependency on external data only for adaptation. The findings add to the research on importance of meanings, ideas, behaviours and values of people, and the agency of such variables for positive appraisal of risks and adaptation.

Factors for Self-Protective Behavior against Extreme Weather Events in the Philippines

We report the results on factors for self-protective behavior against weather extremes such as extreme heat events, drought, and heavy precipitation. Our research draws on the Model of Private Proactive Adaptation to Climate Change (MPPACC). We developed a survey instrument incorporating the main aspects of the MPPACC and other factors from related research work that are assumed to explain why some people show self-protective behavior while others do not. The interview survey was conducted with a non-random sample of 210 respondents from three Philippine cities, namely Baguio, Dagupan, and Tuguegarao. The results reveal the importance of adaptation appraisal, including the perceived feasibility of self-protective measures, the perceived adaptation knowledge, and, with limitations, the perception of actions taken by neighbors or friends. We also show that perceptions of past weather trends are closely linked to risk perception but are only partly corroborated by weather station data. Implications for fostering self-protective behavior are making use of time windows right after an extreme weather event and focusing on enhancing adaptation appraisal.