The study of how humans respond to disasters is a phenomenon one can study by examining diverse source documents created and preserved throughout human history thus far.[1][2] In ancient times, disasters were seen through the lens of supernormal explanations.[3][4]
The term "disaster myth" has been created to describe the belief that people will behave in a groundless, uncontrolled, and even extreme manner outside of normal and accepted social standards despite evidence that proponents state proves otherwise.[5][6] Proponents of the term further state that people will only act irrationally in the direst of circumstances when terrible danger is imminent and no avenue of escape appears available. They argue that these disaster myths have a negative impact when they cause people, officials, and disaster-relief organizations to make detrimental or incorrect disaster planning and response decisions.[7]