@article{ref1,
title="Earthquakes on the mind: implications of disasters for human performance",
journal="Human factors",
year="2012",
author="Helton, William S. and Head, James",
volume="54",
number="2",
pages="189-194",
abstract="Objective: The present study explored the impact a natural disaster has on human performance.Background: Previous research indicates that traffic accidents increase after disasters. A plausible explanation for this finding is that disasters induce cognitive disruption and this disruption negatively affects performance (e.g., driving quality).Method: A total of 16 participants (7 men and 9 women) performed a sustained-attention-to-response task before and after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake. Performance (errors of omission, errors of commission, and reaction time) was compared before and after the earthquake.Results: Errors of omission increased after the earthquake. Changes in errors of commission and reaction times were, however, dependent on individual differences in stress response to the earthquake.Conclusion: The results indicate that natural disasters may have a negative impact on performance.Application: Communities need to be aware of the increased risk of accidents following disasters and develop countermeasures, including individualized assessment tools.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0018-7208",
doi="10.1177/0018720811430503",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0018720811430503"
}