Li, Yanxi, authorKnight, David, advisorSolomon, Jennifer, committee memberHarris, Peter, committee member2024-09-092026-08-162024https://hdl.handle.net/10217/239164Individual proactive adaptation refers to personal proactive behaviors in response to crisis events (in this study, natural disasters) aimed at minimizing the disruptions caused by such disasters. The process of adaptation is often complex and dynamic, influenced by the synergistic effects of multiple factors. Current research on adaptation motivation and decision-making is largely influenced by the Protection Motivation Theory, which emphasizes the role of subjective factors in the cognitive and decision-making processes. However, as adaptation theories evolve, scholars are beginning to acknowledge the role that objective indicators play in the cognitive process of proactive adaptation. This thesis builds on these research trends and theories in two studies. Study 1 conducts a systematic review of current research on indicators of adaptation and integrates those indicators with socio-ecological thinking to develop a new cognitive model. Study 2 involves a plausibility probe based on semi-structured interviews (N = 27) among residents of the Dujiangyan District of central China, an area that was impacted considerably by earthquakes and COVID-19 in recent years. The probe involves applying the new model to analyze those interviews and identify viable objective indicators for the cognitive process of adaptation. This approach is more cost-effective compared to prematurely conducting more ambitious and systematic tests of model assumptions. Results from Study 1 indicate that individual vulnerability and hazard characteristics, as indicators representing social and ecological dimensions, participate in each appraisal stage of the adaptation cognitive process. Results from Study 2 highlight several indicators as crucial objective measures of individual proactive adaptation. These indicators include the scope of impact, past hazard experiences, income, age, housing condition, etc. Overall, the thesis suggests that previous research has failed to account for the role of individual vulnerability and natural hazard characteristics in the appraisal stages (as opposed to the final decision stages) of cognitive processes of individual adaptation. Additionally, the new model and case study findings point to paths forward for better incorporating objective indicators in future research on cognitive processes associated with individual proactive adaptation.born digitalmasters thesesengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.natural hazardsocio-ecological systemdisaster resiliencevulnerabilityproactive adaptationTextEmbargo expires: 08/16/2026.