A Segmentation of U.S. Consumers on Attitudes Relating to Terrorism, and their Communication Preferences; Findings from a National Survey of Attitudes of U.S. Residents about Terrorism

In the light of lessons learned from recent disasters (The London Subway Bombings, and Hurricane Katrina), it has become clear that government and private organizations need to be prepared to communicate effectively with consumers before, during and after a disaster in order to minimize harm to consumers and to the nation. Findings from a national survey of attitudes of U.S. Residents about terrorism provides information for the development of such communications. Using "Predictive Segmentation" this study demonstrates that consumers can be grouped based on their general attitudes and values in such a way that their diversity can be captured in a simple framework of six segments reflecting striking differences with respect to their level of concern over potential terrorist attacks. The segments were named as follows: "Fear Tethered, "Principled & Self-Disciplined," "Intelligentsia," "Predestinarians," "Optimistic & Self-Reliant," and "Uncommitted C'est la vie." Each of these segments differ on their preferences for information should an attack happen, and on their preferred source of news. Based on their information needs and media behavior, some preliminary guidance is offered for the development of communication strategies for each segment.