Effect of contextual and dispositional variables on protective behaviours in the face of imminent risk, as analysed using the virtual simulation of a tsunami

This study examines the influence of contextual factors and dispositional variables on individual behaviours and reactions to imminent risk, focusing on a virtual reality (VR) simulation of a tsunami. Eighty-eight participants were immersed in a virtual beach scenario where a tsunami occurs, with three conditions tested: one without virtual agents (VAs), one with VAs exhibiting organized evacuation behaviour, and one with VAs displaying disorganized evacuation behaviour. Physiological data and participant behaviour were recorded throughout the VR scenario, while tests and questionnaires explored the relationship between user traits and emergency-response behaviours. The results revealed no significant effects of contextual conditions on physiological stress indicators or emotional responses. However, participants had behavioural differences according to the VR scenario. They explored the environment in the condition without VAs more markedly, indicating that social constraints may restrict movement. Notably, imitation scores were significantly higher in the organized evacuation condition compared to the disorganized condition. Individual traits such as anxiety and impulsivity were found to influence post-VR anxiety levels and moving/exploration behaviours, highlighting the interplay between cognitive factors and affective experiences in emergency situations. Decision-making abilities under uncertainty were associated with hesitation and decreased teleportation rates, while decision-making under risk conditions correlated with increased stress levels among poor decision-makers. The study underscores the importance of social and environmental factors in shaping emergency behaviours and emphasizes the need for effective risk communication strategies to enhance collective crisis management efforts. These findings contribute to providing insights into developing more realistic and effective VR simulations for emergency-preparedness training.