Disasters and Deviant Behaviour: Risk Factors and Citizens’ Perceptions in Serbia
- Posted
- Server
- Preprints.org
- DOI
- 10.20944/preprints202602.1872.v1
In addition to immediate material losses, disasters can trigger secondary psychosocial processes that increase the risk of various forms of deviant and violent behavior. This paper examines citizens’ perceptions in Serbia regarding the association between disasters and violence and deviant behavior, as well as the factors related to awareness, self‑assessed readiness to respond, and attitudes about the role of institutions in prevention. The study was conducted via an online survey of 106 respondents in Serbia. Likert‑type items (P26–P30) and categorical variables (P12–P25) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, chi‑square tests of independence, one‑way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. The findings indicate a very high level of basic awareness of natural disasters and violence, but also a pronounced perception that a significant share of the Serbian population lacks adequate practical knowledge about post‑disaster consequences and actions (M = 4.39). Respondents strongly recognize the impact of disasters on mental health (M = 4.21) and the importance of competent services in preventing violence (M = 4.12), while self‑assessed readiness to respond is moderate (M = 3.82). The strongest association among attitudes is observed between support for education and the assessment of the impact of disasters on mental health (r = 0.40; p < 0.001). Chi‑square analyses indicate several significant associations between gender and income (small to moderate effects). At the same time, ANOVA differences were confirmed in two cases: by gender for the PTSD/mental‑health attitude and by income for self‑assessed response readiness. Regression models suggest limited explanatory power of sociodemographics for attitudes, suggesting a likely greater role for experiential and contextual factors (disaster experience, trust in institutions, exposure to training). The results support the need for systematic risk communication and practically oriented educational programs, which—together with clear reporting protocols and inter‑institutional coordination—can reduce the risk of escalation of violence and deviant behavior under crisis conditions.