Psychometric evaluation of disaster impact

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.