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National survey evidence on disasters and relief: Risk beliefs, self-interest, and compassion

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Abstract

A nationally representative sample of respondents estimated their fatality risks from four types of natural disasters, and indicated whether they favored governmental disaster relief. For all hazards, including auto accident risks, most respondents assessed their risks as being below average, with one-third assessing them as average. Individuals from high-risk states, or with experience with disasters, estimate risks higher, though by less than reasonable calculations require. Four-fifths of our respondents favor government relief for disaster victims, but only one-third do for victims in high-risk areas. Individuals who perceive themselves at higher risk are more supportive of government assistance.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Distinguished Professor of Law, Economics, and Management, Vanderbilt University, 131 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN, 37203

    W. Kip Viscusi

  2. Kennedy School of Govt., Harvard University, 79 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138

    Richard J. Zeckhauser (Frank Ramsey Professor)

Authors
  1. W. Kip Viscusi
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  2. Richard J. Zeckhauser
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to W. Kip Viscusi.

Additional information

Alison DelRossi provided thoughtful guidance on our empirical analysis, Miriam Avins edited skillfully, and Nils Wernerfelt provided able research assistance.

JEL Classification D81, D80, Q54, H53

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Viscusi, W.K., Zeckhauser, R.J. National survey evidence on disasters and relief: Risk beliefs, self-interest, and compassion. J Risk Uncertainty 33, 13–36 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11166-006-0169-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11166-006-0169-6

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