Lost Person Behavior Theory

Lost Person Behavior Theory explains how missing individuals typically move and behave in unfamiliar environments, often following predictable patterns. For example, they may stay close to the last known location, seek water, or move toward familiar places like roads or trails. Understanding these tendencies helps search teams prioritize areas to search and develop effective strategies. The theory is based on research that shows how people act when lost, enabling rescue efforts to be more targeted and efficient, ultimately increasing the chances of a successful recovery.