Rethinking the relationship between flood risk perception and flood management

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Risk Perception Studies
• Community Resilience

Background:

• Flood risk perceptions and behavioral motivations are key to community resilience.
• Existing literature shows a gap in understanding diverse flood risk perceptions.
• Rationalist and constructivist paradigms offer different frameworks for risk perception research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review constructs of flood risk perception.
• To contextualize these within risk perception theory and flood risk management.
• To argue for a re-examination of flood risk perception research using constructivist approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of major constructs in flood risk perception.
• Contextualization within broader risk perception theory.
• Analysis of contemporary flood risk management thinking.

Main Results:

• Identified an over-emphasis on cognitive perceptions of those directly at risk.
• Highlighted the need to include perceptions of policymakers and taxpayers.
• Underscored the importance of linking diverse risk perceptions to protective measures like flood insurance.

Conclusions:

• Challenges current understanding of the link between risk perception and flood management.
• Suggests a need for richer understanding of various stakeholders' flood risk perceptions.
• Re-evaluates communication strategies and individual responsibility in flood protection.