Pre-disaster preparation has what effect on stress during a disaster response?

Pre-disaster preparation has what effect on stress during a disaster response?

• A. It increases stress
• B. It reduces stress
• C. It has no effect on stress
• D. It worsens long-term stress

Answer: (B)

Pre-disaster preparation reduces stress during a disaster response by lowering uncertainty and increasing perceived control. When people know their roles, have rehearsed plans, and have ready resources and clear communication channels, decisions come faster, coordination is clearer, and the cognitive load on responders is lighter. This makes the stress response more manageable and can improve performance. In contrast, being unprepared brings ambiguity and delays that heighten stress, and the benefits of preparation extend to reducing long-term strain by preventing chaotic conditions.

Pre-disaster preparation reduces stress during a disaster response by lowering uncertainty and increasing perceived control. When people know their roles, have rehearsed plans, and have ready resources and clear communication channels, decisions come faster, coordination is clearer, and the cognitive load on responders is lighter. This makes the stress response more manageable and can improve performance. In contrast, being unprepared brings ambiguity and delays that heighten stress, and the benefits of preparation extend to reducing long-term strain by preventing chaotic conditions.