Sex differences in informational needs and media dependencies during the 2018 California wildfires

Kenneth A. Lachlan, PhD; Christine Gilbert, MA; Emily Hutter, PhD; Adam Rainear, PhD; Patric R. Spence, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.0588

Authors

Kenneth A. Lachlan, PhD
Christine Gilbert, MA
Emily Hutter, PhD
Adam Rainear, PhD
Patric R. Spence, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0588

Keywords:

media dependency theory, crisis communication, sex differences, natural disasters

Abstract

Previous research has suggested that men and women differ in a number of crisis-related behaviors including information-seeking behavior and media dependencies. The 2018 California wildfires provided a context where demographic differences are largely unexplored, as most prior emergency communication research has focused on slower moving events such as hurricanes and storm surges. Participants were identified based on their residence in areas affected by the Camp and Woolsey fires (N = 363). Sex differences were discovered for how people found out about the fires, perceptions of medium utility, and informational needs. Implications for emergency management practitioners are discussed.

Author Biographies

Kenneth A. Lachlan, PhD

Professor, Department Head, Department of Communication, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut

Christine Gilbert, MA

Department of Communication, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut

Emily Hutter, PhD

Communication Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachuestts

Adam Rainear, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Communication and Media, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania

Patric R. Spence, PhD

Professor, Nicholson School of Communication and Media, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida

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