Reviewing a Theory Life Cycle in Disaster Management

There is a lack of rigorous studies addressing the theory life cycle model in disaster management. Thus, this study aimed to review the theory life cycle to improve disaster management practices. The study employed a systematic literature review, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A reductionist model was proposed, including (1) theory inception, (2) theory scrutiny, and (3) theory termination (X) or establishment (O). This model was applied to four theories: suicide rate (X1), risk perception (X2), redundancy (O1), and all hazards (O2). In pursuing the reductionist model, the field must consider disaster characteristics, the advantages and disadvantages of various theories, the changing environment, a hybridization perspective, emergency education and training, and continuous improvement. This study emphasizes the question of adaptive relevance more than previous research.