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The Role of Trust in Disaster Risk Reduction: A Critical Review

Author

Listed:
  • Rubinia Celeste Bonfanti

    (Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy)

  • Benedetta Oberti

    (Center for Climate Change and Transformation, Eurac Research, Viale Druso 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Elisa Ravazzoli

    (Center for Climate Change and Transformation, Eurac Research, Viale Druso 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
    Institute for Regional Development, Eurac Research, Viale Druso 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Anna Rinaldi

    (Department of Economics, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Largo Abbazia S. Scolastica, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Stefano Ruggieri

    (Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy)

  • Adriano Schimmenti

    (Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy)

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the concept of trust within the domain of natural disaster management. Trust can be defined as a state of vulnerability where one party relies on another party with the expectation that the latter will carry out entrusted responsibilities without exploiting this inherent vulnerability. This comprehensive literature review is dedicated to the examination of research concerning community and institutional trust in the field of disaster risk reduction (DRR). Particular emphasis is placed on elucidating the influence of trust throughout the distinct phases of natural disaster management, namely prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. The critical examination of the pertinent body of the literature demonstrates that trust plays a central role across the different phases of DRR, being positively associated with effective community responses and resilience. Hence, it becomes imperative to actively foster the development of trust at both institutional and community levels within the realm of DRR. This endeavor is essential for adequately preparing communities to confront natural disasters, crafting effective protocols to enhance community responsiveness and mitigate adverse consequences, and advancing strategies for successful reconstruction and recovery.

Suggested Citation

  • Rubinia Celeste Bonfanti & Benedetta Oberti & Elisa Ravazzoli & Anna Rinaldi & Stefano Ruggieri & Adriano Schimmenti, 2023. "The Role of Trust in Disaster Risk Reduction: A Critical Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2023:i:1:p:29-:d:1306661
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Joshua P. Nicholas & Amy Donovan & Clive Oppenheimer & Louie Bell & Maximillian Van Wyk de Vries, 2026. "How trust shapes individual resilience to natural hazards: a systematic review," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 122(2), pages 1-27, January.
    4. Sunday Omini Abam & Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke, 2026. "Assessing The Effectiveness and Sustainability of Emergency Communication Centres in Disaster Management in Abuja, Nigeria," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(1), pages 1514-1529, January.
    5. Siddharth Prajapati & Ramesh Anbanandam, 2026. "Social Sustainability Index for Performance Measurement in Humanitarian Supply Chains: A Novel Fuzzy Logic and TISM–MICMAC Approach," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 27(1), pages 17-45, March.
    6. Rubinia Celeste Bonfanti & Stefano Ruggieri & Adriano Schimmenti, 2024. "Psychological Trust Dynamics in Climate Change Adaptation Decision-Making Processes: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-20, May.

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