Source
Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. Deak.Helton@canterbury.ac.nz
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
The present study explored the impact a natural disaster has on human performance.
BACKGROUND:
Previous research indicates that traffic accidents increase after disasters. A plausible explanation for this finding is that disasters induce cognitive disruption and this disruption negatively affects performance (e.g., driving quality).
METHOD:
A total of 16 participants (7 men and 9 women) performed a sustained-attention-to-response task before and after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake. Performance (errors of omission, errors of commission, and reaction time) was compared before and after the earthquake.
RESULTS:
Errors of omission increased after the earthquake. Changes in errors of commission and reaction times were, however, dependent on individual differences in stress response to the earthquake.
CONCLUSION:
The results indicate that natural disasters may have a negative impact on performance.
APPLICATION:
Communities need to be aware of the increased risk of accidents following disasters and develop countermeasures, including individualized assessment tools.