Need for cognition and rumination: Alternate explanations for sex differences in disaster information seeking. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lachlan, Kenneth A.; Hutter, Emily; Gilbert, Christine; Spence, Patric R.
• Is Part Of: Progress in disaster science. Volume 11(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Crisis communication -- Hurricane -- Risk management -- Information processing -- Rumination; Disasters -- Periodicals; Disaster relief -- Planning -- Periodicals; Emergency management -- Periodicals; 363.3405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pdisas.2021.100180
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2590-0617

Abstract

Abstract: While a long history of research in crisis communication has suggested sex differences in information seeking, little has addressed the underlying reasons why this may be the case. The current study examines information seeking behaviors in the time leading up to Hurricane Dorian, and suggests that these differences may be a function of ruminative processing tendencies. Sex differences in information seeking are moderated such that they attenuate at higher levels of rumination. Implications for our understanding of audience responses and emergency management are discussed, along with differences in sex role normalization that may play a factor in the observed data. Highlights: Prior research suggests sex differences in information seeking during crisis. A survey was conducted during the leadup to Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Rumination tendency may account for sex differences. Information seeking was predictive of mitigation efforts. Implications for disaster management are discussed.