Impact of several worry factors on responsible behavior: The case of the 1999 earthquake in Turkey
International Journal of Mental Health, vol.33, no.1, pp.13-30, 2004 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Review
- Volume: 33 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2004
- Doi Number: 10.1080/00207411.2004.11043361
- Journal Name: International Journal of Mental Health
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.13-30
- Ankara University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Fifteen thousand people died in the August 1999 Earthquake in Turkey, and almost all segments of society were caught unprepared. In order to lessen the problems experienced after future earthquakes, this research investigates factors that influence society's awareness of and preparedness for disasters and aims at developing policies on the basis of investigating the relationship between worries and the variables of locus of control, verbal commitment, and responsible behavior. This research is based on a survey conducted a year after the earthquake using a representative sample size of 500 survivors living in temporary prefabricated houses. One of the basic findings of this research is that education is the most important independent variable influencing preparedness for earthquakes; therefore, in developing societies like Turkey, the state, local administrations and nongovernmental organizations should devote more attention to comprehensive educational activities.