Savannah Flak

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Barton, Michelle

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

The current study sought to explore the relationships between hurricane personal and coping self-efficacies, post-traumatic growth, Hurricane Irma evacuation decisions, and the likelihood of evacuating a future hurricane along with other demographic characteristics. This investigation is important because these factors were examined within the unique context of Key West, where the geographical constraints of the Florida Keys make evacuation more difficult than most hurricane-prone regions. Key West residents were recruited in person to take an online survey approximately four months after Hurricane Irma made landfall. Results indicated that an individual’s belief in their ability to prepare for a hurricane was higher for those who did not evacuate and positively related to income level for females and evacuees. Post-traumatic growth varied based on gender and property damage, where males with personal item damages experienced greater post-traumatic growth. In addition, Hurricane Irma evacuation decisions did not differ based on gender or pet ownership, but those who did not evacuate were significantly older than those who evacuated and more likely to have previous hurricane experience. Notably, the current study revealed that more preparedness for Hurricane Irma as well as elevated beliefs in one’s ability to prepare for and cope with the aftermath of a hurricane were generally associated with a lower likelihood of evacuating a future hurricane. These relationships are discussed along with the implications of evacuation behaviors as they specifically relate to Key West, FL. The results inform emergency managers regarding ways to best encourage Key West residents to evacuate future hurricanes.

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