Behaviors in a Crisis

Panic

• Acute response to stress induces a “fight or flight” response in an attempt to reduce stress.
• Example: Buying too many unnecessary supplies from fear that they will run out. 

Seeking Special Treatment 

• People with a heightened sense of privilege will feel entitled to special treatment. People will display a greater need to be in control.
• Example: Wealthy people may feel they should be able to purchase test kits.

Worried-well

• Physically healthy people who are hyper-conscious of risk, may use resources intended for the ill.
• Example: Non-clinical people may buy N-95 masks and other PPE meant for medical staff.

Stigmatization 

• Occurs when people associated with the risk are shunned or excluded from societal benefits based on their outward appearance.
• The stigmatization results in people hiding their illness to avoid stigma.
• Access to needed resources is denied to the people who are affected and therefore needed most.
• Example: evicting health professionals who treat COVID-19 positive people from the houses they are renting