Psychometric evaluation of disaster impact

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine accurate cross-sector assessment of true relative need in affected populations and the net human impact of disaster response programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

A psychometric assessment method using the DASS-42 is presented, and its practicality and value are shown through field studies in Afghanistan and Vanuatu.

Findings

Psychometric quality of life assessments are robust, rapidly deployable, culturally and sector-agnostic, and imminently useful for targeting disaster aid and measuring programme effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a baseline for further investigation into identifying which aid interventions are necessary without using technical assessments.

Practical implications

The demonstrated method is more effective in many situations than traditional technical assessments or assumption of which demographic factors place groups at risk.

Originality/value

The identified approach builds on previous work by combining psychometric indications of disaster effect with specific areas of need self-identified by the assessed communities. Its effectiveness for enabling humanitarian action at both large and small scales is also proven.

Citation

Noynaert, J.M. and Potangaroa, R. (2018), "Psychometric evaluation of disaster impact", International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Vol. 9 No. 3, pp. 230-238. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-01-2017-0006