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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Experimental Research Examining How People Can Cope with Uncertainty Through Soft Haptic Sensations

Experimental Research Examining How People Can Cope with Uncertainty Through Soft Haptic Sensations

Published on: September 16, 2015

Risk perceptions, optimism, and natural hazards.

V Kerry Smith¹

¹Department of Economics, W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA. kerry_smith@ncsu.edu

Risk Analysis : an Official Publication of the Society for Risk Analysis

|July 17, 2008

Summary

Hurricane Andrew significantly lowered longevity expectations for Florida residents. This study reveals how major disasters impact individuals' long-term outlook and risk perception.

Area of Science:

Psychology
Disaster Research
Health Economics

Background:

Longevity expectations serve as a proxy for subjective risk assessment and dispositional optimism.
Understanding the psychological impact of natural disasters is crucial for public health.
The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) provides valuable longitudinal data on aging and health.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the impact of Hurricane Andrew on the longevity expectations of Florida residents.
To assess how major catastrophic events influence individual risk perceptions and optimism.
To utilize panel survey data for before-and-after disaster analysis.

Main Methods:

Analysis of panel survey data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS).
Comparison of longevity expectations of respondents in Dade County, Florida, before and after Hurricane Andrew.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Experimental Research Examining How People Can Cope with Uncertainty Through Soft Haptic Sensations

Experimental Research Examining How People Can Cope with Uncertainty Through Soft Haptic Sensations

Published on: September 16, 2015

Statistical controls for health effects to isolate the impact of the hurricane.

Main Results:

A significant reduction in longevity expectations was observed among respondents exposed to Hurricane Andrew.
The findings suggest that the information associated with the storm negatively impacted individuals' long-term outlook.
Health effects were controlled for, indicating the hurricane's impact was distinct from pre-existing health conditions.

Conclusions:

Major natural disasters like Hurricane Andrew can substantially alter individuals' perceptions of their own lifespan.
Longevity expectations are sensitive to significant environmental and personal risk events.
The study underscores the psychological toll of disasters on survivors' future outlook.