Trust in authorities and experts as a shortcut for making judgements by relying on experts' opinions

Similar to religious beliefs, trust in authorities and experts can be seen as externalized faith people use to deal with an increasingly complex world. Trust is used as a shortcut for making judgements by relying on experts' opinions and estimates that can be considered to be accurate (Wachinger et al., 2013). Numerous studies showed that trust plays an important role in risk perception of natural disasters. For example, the study of Paton (2008 - see source document for full reference) that investigated risk perception of bushfires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods showed that people evaluate information about natural hazards in accordance with their trust in the social institutions that are providing the information.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Attitudes toward environmental issues, Attitudes toward authorities

Hazards: Natural hazards

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, All disaster phases

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Engage in activities and develop strategies aiming to improve trust between citizens and authorities