The preparedness gap in German households
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This paper examines the discrepancy between perceived and objectively measurable household preparedness in Germany. Using cross-sectional survey data (n = 266), a resource-based preparedness index was constructed to assess tangible household-level capacities relevant for short-term crisis self-sufficiency. A preparedness gap was operationalized as the standardized difference between subjective preparedness assessments and objectively available resources. The study identifies substantial miscalibration patterns, with significant proportions of participants either overestimating or underestimating their preparedness. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine sociodemographic, experiential, and psychological determinants of objective preparedness. The findings suggest that implementation-related beliefs and perceived operational adequacy play a stronger role than general risk awareness alone. The results contribute to disaster risk reduction research by differentiating between perceived and actual preparedness and by highlighting mechanisms that influence the translation of awareness into concrete preparedness behavior.
Author: Schmidt, Fabian
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7130437399
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