Bonding social capital, disaster experience, and post-disaster giving in Japan

When are people willing to donate their time or money after a disaster? We investigate the psychological and socio-economic determinants of post-disaster giving in Japan, using a nationally representative panel survey of more than 7,000 respondents, conducted repeatedly from early 2020, including after the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. We examine how individual characteristics-including past disaster experience, social capital (trust, reciprocity, cooperation), 'Big-5' personality traits, and digital behaviours-influence the likelihood of engaging in various forms of post-disaster assistance, from traditional monetary donations to newer digitally-facilitated acts such as online shopping for Noto products. Our analysis finds that prior disaster experience and personal openness are consistent robust predictors of prosocial behaviour. The relationship between social capital and aid activities is more subtle. Trust and cooperation are both positively associated with post-disaster assistance, but this is not the case for reciprocity. These findings emphasise that nuanced conceptualisation of social capital is required and underscore the need for caution in assuming its universal relevance in mobilising disaster aid. We conclude by suggesting directions for future research that more precisely delineate the interplay between social, psychological, and socio-economic factors in shaping post-disaster giving.