Abstract
Disasters, in addition to immediate material losses, can trigger secondary psychosocial processes that increase the risk of various forms of deviant and violent behavior. This paper aims to examine citizens’ perceptions in Serbia regarding the connections between disasters, violence, and deviant behavior, as well as factors associated with awareness, self-assessed readiness to respond, and attitudes toward the role of institutions in prevention. The research was conducted through an online survey of 106 respondents in Serbia. Likert scales (P26–P30) and categorical variables (P12–P25) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, chi-square tests of independence, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. The results show a high level of basic awareness of natural disaster and violence concepts, but also a strong perception that a significant part of the Serbian population lacks adequate operational knowledge of disaster consequences and post-disaster actions (M=4.39). Respondents are more likely to recognize the impact of disasters on mental health (M=4.21) and the importance of competent services in preventing violence (M=4.12). At the same time, their self-assessed readiness to respond is moderate (M=3.82). The strongest association within attitudes was observed between support for education and assessment of the impact of disasters on mental health (r=0.40; p<0.001). Chi-square analyses indicated several significant associations with gender and income (small to moderate effects). At the same time, ANOVA differences were confirmed in two cases: by gender for attitude about PTSD/mental health and by income for self-rated readiness to respond. Regression models suggest a limited role for sociodemographic factors in explaining attitudes, suggesting a likely greater role for experiential and contextual factors (disaster experience, trust in institutions, exposure to training). The findings support the need for systemic risk communication and the development of practically oriented educational programs that, with clear reporting protocols and inter-institutional coordination, can reduce the risk of escalation of violence and deviant behaviors in crisis settings.
Conclusions
This study showed that citizens, to a considerable extent, recognise that disasters may be accom-panied by an increase in psychosocial risks and deviant behaviour, and that there is a pronounced perception of insufficient awareness and knowledge about potential post‑disaster consequences. This finding indicates that prevention in non‑crisis periods is critical: without continuous educa-tion and clear response protocols, the risk of incorrect reactions, increased conflict, and violence may be higher when everyday life is disrupted. Analyses of differences and predictors suggest that, overall, sociodemographic characteristics have limited explanatory power for attitudes. ANOVA identified only two significant effects out of 30 tested, suggesting that attitudes are more shaped by factors such as experience, information, exposure to education, and self‑efficacy than by gender, age, or education as isolated categories. In addition, the regression model for the assessment that “citizens do not have adequate knowledge” did not identify significant demo-graphic predictors, strengthening the need for future studies to include variables measuring knowledge, experience, and educational exposure. From a practical perspective, the findings sup-port recommendations from the master’s thesis that it is necessary to design and implement new programmes for “developing and raising awareness” among citizens of all generations, through social‑media campaigns, programmes in schools and universities, as well as periodic train-ings/lectures (e.g., every six months) in the public and private sectors.
These programmes must be linked to concrete procedures: what citizens should do when they notice violence in the community after a disaster, whom they should report to, how in-ter‑institutional coordination works, and what support is available to victims. Overall, the paper indicates that the following are key to reducing the risk of deviant behaviour after disasters: (1) systematic education and risk communication, (2) clear mechanisms for reporting and responding to violence in crisis conditions, and (3) strengthening the role of institutions through coordination and visible support measures. Such an orientation can contribute not only to reducing the conse-quences of disasters but also to strengthening community resilience through better preparedness, greater trust, and more effective prevention of violence escalation under crisis conditions.
How to cite
Cvetković, V., Stojanović, T., Jakovljević, V., & Cvetković, V. (2026). Disasters and Deviant Behaviour: Risk Factors and Citizens’ Perceptions in Serbia. Fourth Memorial Scientific and Professional Conference – Modern Integrated Disaster Risk Management, Belgrade. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19236675
