Group Evacuation Experiment of Visually Impaired Students

To respond to visually impaired students' (VI) vulnerabilities in disasters, this study aims to experimentally validate a framework of factors influencing efficacy beliefs regulating VI students' evacuation behavior. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test study was conducted. Data from an evacuation experiment highlight the role of efficacy beliefs and group effects in shaping emergency responses, with group efficacy playing an important role in managing anxious thoughts and feelings during an emergency evacuation. Although evacuation times did not significantly differ between groups, the experimental group demonstrated smoother synchronization, while undesirable evacuation behavior emerged in the control group. This emphasizes the importance of clear group structures and roles in fostering positive group behaviors. Compact sub-group formation highlights its importance in promoting safe evacuation for VI students by offering emotional reassurance and flexibility. These findings underscore the significance of efficacy beliefs in shaping behavior and responses during emergencies among VI students.