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Date with an Earthquake

Coping with a Probable, Unpredictable Disaster

University of British Columbia

Shelley E. Taylor

University of California, Los Angeles

This study explored reactions to an impending disaster whose occurrence is highly likely but whose timing is unknown. Fifty-one students who lived in suites rated "good" seismically, and 50 students who lived in dormitories rated "very poor" seismically were canvassed concerning their perceptions and coping strategies with respect to the impending California earthquake. Results indicated that respondents in the very poor structures were significantly more likely to deny the seriousness of the situation and to doubt the experts' predictions than were respondents in the good suites. Both groups showed ignorance of basic earthquake safety information and had taken no measures to prepare for an earthquake.

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				J. M. Burger and M. L Palmer Changes in and Generalization of Unrealistic Optimism Following Experiences with Stressful Events: Reactions to the 1989 California Earthquake Pers Soc Psychol Bull, February 1, 1992; 18(1): 39 - 43. [Abstract]