Post-disaster coping and recovery: The role of perceived changes in the retail facilities

This study focuses on understanding the role of the retail facilities in post-disaster coping and recovery. A conceptual model integrates Social Cognitive Theory and the Conservation of Resources framework and tests relationships among perceived changes in retail facilities, financial constraints, individual coping self-efficacy, and satisfaction with living conditions. A self-administered questionnaire collected data from respondents directly impacted by Hurricane Katrina in the greater New Orleans area. Structural equation modeling tests the hypothesized relationships. Findings indicate that individuals' coping self-efficacy buffers the negative effects of perceived damage to the retail facilities and financial constraints. These same factors also influence individuals' satisfaction with living conditions. Findings provide implications for retail recovery and public policy.