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Accidents, disasters and crises: The effect on citizen perceptions and preferences

Author

Listed:
  • Sotiris Georganas
  • Phoebe Koundouri
  • Alina Velias

Abstract

This paper utilises natural experiments in Greece to investigate the impact of extreme events on citizen preferences. Leveraging a nationally representative sample (n=5000+), we align multiple data collection waves with extreme events like fires, floods, and train crashes. Analysing the temporal dynamics post-events, we observe fluctuations in preferences akin to hot-cold visceral states. Our findings contribute to the literature on how major events shape individual preferences. Methodologically, we explore the effectiveness of primes in comparison to real-life events, discerning the reliability of primes as proxies for experiences. The study holds implications for policymakers, highlighting the malleability of public sentiment in shaping expectations of government interventions during and after crises, providing valuable insights for effective governance and crisis management.

Suggested Citation

  • Sotiris Georganas & Phoebe Koundouri & Alina Velias, 2025. "Accidents, disasters and crises: The effect on citizen perceptions and preferences," DEOS Working Papers 2519, Athens University of Economics and Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:aue:wpaper:2519
    as

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    File URL: http://wpa.deos.aueb.gr/docs/2025.Disaster.WP.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Thiemo Fetzer & Lukas Hensel & Johannes Hermle & Christopher Roth, 2021. "Coronavirus Perceptions and Economic Anxiety," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 103(5), pages 968-978, December.
    2. Georganas, Sotiris & Healy, Paul J. & Weber, Roberto A., 2015. "On the persistence of strategic sophistication," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 159(PA), pages 369-400.
    3. George Loewenstein, 2000. "Emotions in Economic Theory and Economic Behavior," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 90(2), pages 426-432, May.
    4. Scott R Baker & Robert A Farrokhnia & Steffen Meyer & Michaela Pagel & Constantine Yannelis & Jeffrey Pontiff, 0. "How Does Household Spending Respond to an Epidemic? Consumption during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic," The Review of Asset Pricing Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 10(4), pages 834-862.
    5. Georganas, Sotiris & Laliotis, Ioannis & Velias, Alina, 2022. "The best is yet to come: The impact of retirement on prosocial behavior," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 589-615.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    natural experiments; disasters; extreme events; shocks; preferences;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines

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