Emotional and behavioural reactions to tremors of the Umbria-Marche earthquake

Abstract

This is a study of 100 citizens of Fabriano, Italy, who experienced an earthquake. Results of a structured interview provide information on their emotional and behavioural reactions during and immediately after the earthquake as well as descriptions of the context. Respondents identify their coping responses during the earthquake as taking flight, freezing, taking shelter, failing to realize what was happening, reaching and protecting significant others, seeking information from the social environment, and recovering personal belongings. Moreover, in the aftermath of the earthquake, the most common responses were: evacuation, returning to houses, reuniting with family members, undertaking activities, observing the scene, recovering personal belongings, meeting in groups, and continuing activities. Respondents describe their emotional reactions as fear, helplessness, worry, and terror. Prosocial behaviour was frequent and looting did not occur. Emotional and cognitive reactions were influenced by environmental and social factors. © Overseas Development Institute, 2012.