when disaster strikes and emergency warning sounds or the captain orders an abandon ship we hope people will remain “cool, calm and collected.” Being level - headed during a life - threatening event is highly prized and undoubtedly improves your chances of sur vival. However, anecdotal reports and the limited psychological research available suggest that people under threat can actually act in a way that puts themselves and others in further danger.

Behaviours during a disaster

People can behave in an appropriate manner during an emergency. In good conditions, with no pressures on resources or time, calm and orderly resp onses are likely. Even in more chaotic situations quick thinking and effective actions can lead to positive actions. For example, during the sinking of the Costa Concordia cruise ship in January 2012 eyewitnesses reported many instances of constructive beh aviour. Some passengers used iphone apps to work out their location on the ship while others made ladders from sheets to reach the safety of the next deck. However, research suggests that only 10 - 25% of people in an emergency will be able to undertake prom pt and effective action. Other disaster victims (approximately 65 - 80% of people) will become indecisive and act in a stunned and bewildered manner. The remaining 10 - 15% of victims will display serious maladaptive behaviour, including confusion, crying, par alysing anxiety and hysteria

Denial

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