Self-efficacy, stress, and locus of control: The psychology of earthquake risk perception in Bucharest, Romania

This research explores the way three distinct psychological determinants shape seismic risk perceptions. We surveyed over 1300 persons in the city and measured the way locus of control, self-efficacy, and stress vulnerability relate to risk perception and various socio-demographic indicators. We found that self-efficacy varies with gender, whether people live in a house or a block of flats, and previous earthquake training. Stress has a spatial component to it as various areas of the city show different stress levels. Socio-demographics also leave their mark, as women, people over 50 years of age, and those with declared lower incomes, score higher in stress vulnerability. Locus of control varies with age and gender, with men and the young most confident in their ability to control events. Those who do worry also have more trust in various entities that might help, such as the Fire Department, Charities, or Government. Interestingly, both the extent to which people worry and their perceived earthquake preparedness correlate with all three psychological dimensions measured. Since these modifiable psychological dimensions shape operant behaviours, such as disaster related ones, we discuss avenues for their improvement and increased adaptability.