title: Behavioral consequences of disasters: a five-stage model of population behavior.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We propose a model of population behavior in the aftermath of disasters.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a qualitative analysis of an empirical dataset of 339 disasters throughout the world spanning from 1950 to 2005.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We developed a model of population behavior that is based on 2 fundamental assumptions: (i) behavior is predictable and (ii) population behavior will progress sequentially through 5 stages from the moment the hazard begins until is complete.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Understanding the progression of population behavior during a disaster can improve the efficiency and appropriateness of institutional efforts aimed at population preservation after large-scale traumatic events. Additionally, the opportunity for population-level intervention in the aftermath of such events will improve population health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology,Columbia University,New York,New York.
authors.forename: Sasha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rudenstine
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology,Columbia University,New York,New York.
authors.forename: Sandro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Galea
mesh_terms: D064891:Disaster Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D004190:Disasters; D036262:Empirical Research; D006801:Humans; D008399:Mass Behavior; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012932:Social Facilitation
keywords: primary prevention