Application of construal level theory in identifying factors affecting individual decision-making in implementing flood protection measures in rural areas of Iran
Abstract Floods are among the most frequent and destructive natural disasters globally, inflicting extensive damage on infrastructure, causing significant economic losses, displacing communities, and triggering public health crises. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable due to inadequate...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-08-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15847-3 |
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| author | Esmaiel Askari Moslem Savari Marzieh Rezaei |
| author_facet | Esmaiel Askari Moslem Savari Marzieh Rezaei |
| author_sort | Esmaiel Askari |
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| description | Abstract Floods are among the most frequent and destructive natural disasters globally, inflicting extensive damage on infrastructure, causing significant economic losses, displacing communities, and triggering public health crises. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable due to inadequate infrastructure, substandard housing, widespread poverty, and low adaptive capacity—challenges that are especially pronounced in rural areas. In the absence of effective mitigation systems, the impact of floods on rural communities can intensify, potentially resulting in the complete collapse of local livelihoods. Therefore, enhancing the resilience of these communities through targeted capacity-building and resilience strategies is essential. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing the adoption of flood preparedness measures in rural regions of Iran. The primary research instrument was a questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This study employed Construal Level Theory (CLT) as its theoretical framework. The findings revealed that CLT components—including geographical distance, temporal distance, social distance, hypothetical distance, belief in climate change, and flood risk perception—significantly influence the adoption of protective measures prior to flood events, collectively explaining 67.1% of the variance. Notably, this research marks the first application of CLT in the context of flood preparedness, both in Iran and globally. As such, it offers novel insights for the development of effective flood management strategies in rural communities and lays a foundation for strengthening the resilience of their livelihoods. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a9553714a6e64b5d8923fcf5cfc3bd1a |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| spelling | doaj-art-a9553714a6e64b5d8923fcf5cfc3bd1a2025-08-20T03:46:04ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-08-0115112110.1038/s41598-025-15847-3Application of construal level theory in identifying factors affecting individual decision-making in implementing flood protection measures in rural areas of IranEsmaiel Askari0Moslem Savari1Marzieh Rezaei2Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, BaviDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Education, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, BaviDepartment of Natural Resources Engineering, University of HormozganAbstract Floods are among the most frequent and destructive natural disasters globally, inflicting extensive damage on infrastructure, causing significant economic losses, displacing communities, and triggering public health crises. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable due to inadequate infrastructure, substandard housing, widespread poverty, and low adaptive capacity—challenges that are especially pronounced in rural areas. In the absence of effective mitigation systems, the impact of floods on rural communities can intensify, potentially resulting in the complete collapse of local livelihoods. Therefore, enhancing the resilience of these communities through targeted capacity-building and resilience strategies is essential. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing the adoption of flood preparedness measures in rural regions of Iran. The primary research instrument was a questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This study employed Construal Level Theory (CLT) as its theoretical framework. The findings revealed that CLT components—including geographical distance, temporal distance, social distance, hypothetical distance, belief in climate change, and flood risk perception—significantly influence the adoption of protective measures prior to flood events, collectively explaining 67.1% of the variance. Notably, this research marks the first application of CLT in the context of flood preparedness, both in Iran and globally. As such, it offers novel insights for the development of effective flood management strategies in rural communities and lays a foundation for strengthening the resilience of their livelihoods.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15847-3Protective measuresFlood managementResilienceConstruct level theoryIran |
| spellingShingle | Esmaiel Askari Moslem Savari Marzieh Rezaei Application of construal level theory in identifying factors affecting individual decision-making in implementing flood protection measures in rural areas of Iran Scientific Reports Protective measures Flood management Resilience Construct level theory Iran |
| title | Application of construal level theory in identifying factors affecting individual decision-making in implementing flood protection measures in rural areas of Iran |
| title_full | Application of construal level theory in identifying factors affecting individual decision-making in implementing flood protection measures in rural areas of Iran |
| title_fullStr | Application of construal level theory in identifying factors affecting individual decision-making in implementing flood protection measures in rural areas of Iran |
| title_full_unstemmed | Application of construal level theory in identifying factors affecting individual decision-making in implementing flood protection measures in rural areas of Iran |
| title_short | Application of construal level theory in identifying factors affecting individual decision-making in implementing flood protection measures in rural areas of Iran |
| title_sort | application of construal level theory in identifying factors affecting individual decision making in implementing flood protection measures in rural areas of iran |
| topic | Protective measures Flood management Resilience Construct level theory Iran |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15847-3 |
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