When earthquake damage is seen as preventable: Attributions, locus of control and attitudes to risk

Previous studies have demonstrated that locus of control and risk attitudes influence preparation for natural hazards. Two studies examined which of t hese two factors is the stronger predictor of earthquake judgements and pre paration. These concepts were linked to attribution models of earthquake da mage, by examining the effect of the distinctiveness of damage on attributi ons, and explanatory complexity. In both studies, the first with students a nd the second with non-student members of the public, low risk-takers were more likely to have made more preparations for earthquakes, and distinctive damage was judged more preventable than global damage. With students, low risk-taking also predicted judgements that an earthquake was probable. Stud ents with a more internal locus of control were more likely to judge that d istinctive earthquake damage was preventable, whereas nonstudents with a mo re internal locus of control were more likely to give complex explanations of earthquake damage. These findings have several implications for enhancin g preparedness for earthquakes and other hazards.