The collective efficacy literature suggests that neighborhoods with higher collective efficacy
have fewer problems of disorder, increased volunteerism, and higher levels of life satisfaction
and wellbeing, along with the increased potential for resilience in the face of a disaster.
Although perceptions of collective efficacy typically remain stable over time, rapid or
sudden social change, such as experiencing a natural disaster, has the potential to disrupt
the neighborhood and the individuals within – including their perceptions of the regulatory
mechanisms of collective efficacy. Still, the effect of a major disaster on perceptions of
collective efficacy remains relatively unexamined. Longitudinal survey data collected before
and after the Queensland flood and cyclone disasters permit a unique investigation of the
impact of the disaster on perceptions of social control and social cohesion before and after
the disaster. Results show that after this major natural disaster, respondents who were
proximately affected reported decreased levels of collective efficacy. Also, persons who
experienced the biggest decrease in perceived collective efficacy were those that had lower
levels of collective efficacy prior to the disaster. We discuss the mechanisms surrounding
disaster preparedness, response, and recovery that may contribute to changing perceptions
of collective efficacy.