Disaster Preparedness: Beliefs of Physical Education Teacher Education Majors

Abstract

This study examined the differences in disaster preparedness beliefs among physical education teacher candidates based on gender and grade level. A total of one hundred and forty-nine physical education teacher candidates, 61 male and 88 female took part in the study. The General Disaster Preparedness Belief Scale, which encompasses six sub-dimensions (Self-efficacy, Cues to Action, Perceived Susceptibility, Perceived Barriers, Perceived Benefits, and Perceived Severity) was used to collect data. An independent samples t-test was used to analyze normally distributed data to determine whether physical education teacher candidates’ beliefs on general disaster preparedness sub-dimensions differed by gender, and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether they differed by grade level (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th). The results indicated significant variations between genders in almost all aspects of general disaster preparedness beliefs, with female physical education teacher candidates scoring higher in Self-efficacy, Cues to Action, Perceived Susceptibility, Perceived Barriers, Perceived Severity, and general disaster preparedness. However, Perceived Benefits scores were similar across genders. No notable differences were found in the general disaster preparedness beliefs and sub-dimension scores of physical education teacher candidates based on the grade level of the candidates. The findings indicate that, except for Perceived Benefits, physical education teacher candidates' general disaster preparedness beliefs and beliefs regarding sub-dimensions differed by gender but not by grade level studied, which may indicate that gender is related to disaster preparedness beliefs. The study underscores the importance of addressing gender disparities in disaster preparedness beliefs to ensure equitable societal preparedness efforts. Efforts should focus on enhancing disaster preparedness beliefs among all individuals, irrespective of gender, to foster a more resilient and prepared community.