The second step of protection motivation theory is the “coping appraisal process”. This is the degree to which a person believes that they have the ability and resources to meet and overcome the threat of the hazard. Three factors are considered when determining their ability to cope with the threat.

(1) Perceived response efficacy

Perceived response efficacy is whether the person perceives that they have control over the threat, such as knowing the specific actions they can take that would be effective in protecting them against the hazard. Does the individual believe that modifying the structure of their home would prevent it from being destroyed in a flood?

(2) Perceived self-efficacy

This is the person’s assessment of whether they believe that they are personally capable of performing the necessary actions to protect themselves against the threat. Does the person have confidence in their ability to build a more structurally sound house or have the ability to build their house on higher grounds, further away from the river, to avoid floodwaters?

(3) Perceived costs and barriers

Perceived costs and barriers prevent people from taking the appropriate actions to prevent or lessen the severity of the hazard on the items that they value. An important barrier preventing one from taking appropriate actions are socio-economic factors such as money and access to information. The expenses required to modify one’s house against floods could be too much for a subsistence farmer. Other possible barriers are the inconvenience, time and effort that comes with the need to shift their house to a different location.