The primary concern of this article is to review the knowledge and ability of people to act to protect themselves and others in the face of various risks and hazards, and to manage accident and crisis situations. Relevant issues include the needs and requirements of emergency situations, people’s ability to respond to them, and factors that affect coping ability. The selected sub-areas are practiceoriented and defined in terms of real-world problems rather than theories or scientific concepts. One of the purposes of choosing to structure the review of risk, accident and crisis management psychology in this way is to emphasize the importance of human limitations and capabilities as an element in all areas of activity and responsibility. This approach, in turn, assumes that the review contains a broad theoretical base and multifaceted approaches, which are necessarily treated here rather generically.
Crises can originate from many factors, including intrapsychic, relational, and environmental elements, pervasively affecting individuals throughout their lives. The paper focuses on the intricate nature of crises, their diverse origins, and the subjective reactions they elicit. It emphasizes developing adaptive coping strategies, cultivating self-efficacy, and fostering social support networks to navigate and transcend crises effectively. Understanding the multidimensional aspects of emergencies and employing resilient responses is crucial for individuals to thrive in adversity.