Earthquake attribution, risk perception, and self-efficacy: Tibetan Buddhism believers’ preparedness motivation

Abstract

Based on a survey conducted in Yushu area of China, this study reveals that among Tibetan Buddhism believers, earthquake attribution, risk perception, and self-efficacy (i.e. individuals’ belief in their own ability to accomplish a specific task) operate to collectively influence their motivation to prepare for earthquakes. Specifically, a stronger inclination to perceive earthquakes as natural phenomena, higher levels of risk perception in both cognitive and affective dimensions, and increased self-efficacy contribute to a greater intention for earthquake preparedness. Moreover, results of this study indicate that among these factors, self-efficacy plays the most significant role, followed by the affective dimension of risk perception, natural attribution of earthquakes, and cognitive dimension of risk perception. Interestingly, the study found no significant effects of supernatural attribution of earthquakes on respondents’ preparedness intention. These findings enhance our understanding of the formation mechanism behind individuals’ disaster awareness and behaviour, particularly among those with Buddhism beliefs.