Behavior and beliefs during the recent volcanic eruption at Kapoho, Hawaii

Lachman, R; Bonk, W

The recent volcanic eruption at Kapoho, Hawaii, resulted in rituals and offerings to the Hawaiian Volcano Goddess, Pele. 'A number of behavioral scientists entertain the working hypothesis that in times of stress and uncertainty, many individuals seek security in supernatural beliefs, rituals, and related behavior. One of the objectives of our research is to measure this phenomenon as it is occurring in the unique cultural environment of Hawaii. The study is seeking to establish the relationship between the current observations of 'security seeking' behavior and other variables such as ethnic group membership, degree of acculturation, level of education, and previous experience under stress, such as the conditions of social disorganization in the 1955 eruption. The old Hawaiian beliefs are remarkably rational and provide an apparently consistent explanation for geological growth processes. The beliefs appear to be reinforced by a number of factors. One such factor is the very sight of the lava fountains which are often over 1000 ft in height. This magnificent phenomenon is accompanied by auditory, olfactory, and tactile stimulation produced by the fountain and its accompanying fallout. Another source of reinforcement for belief in Pele is the inability of science and technology to cope with the destructiveness of the lava flows. The building of dikes to contain or divert the lava appears to be uniformly unsuccessful.'

Behavior and beliefs during the recent volcanic eruption at Kapoho, Hawaii

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