INTEGRATING DISASTER RISK REDUCTION WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID: A THEORETICAL EVALUATION

Disasters, whether natural or anthropogenic, inflict significant social, emotional, andpsychological upheaval on individuals and organizations alike. Given estimates of heightenedfrequency and intensity of such disasters, disaster management must transcend physical responseto include emotional well-being. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) aims to mitigate vulnerabilitiesand enhance resilience via preventive, preparedness, response, and recovery strategies. In thiscontext, Psychological First Aid (PFA) serves as a crucial early intervention, offering rapid,compassionate, and pragmatic assistance to individuals impacted. Unlike traditional treatment,Psychological First Aid (PFA) can be delivered by trained community members, offeringscalable assistance during crises. This study compiles literature from 2000 to 2024, includingrandomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and systematic reviews, that examinesthe effectiveness of Psychological First Aid (PFA) in several crisis situations. Evidence indicatesthat PFA mitigates acute pain, enhances coping mechanisms and preparedness, and strengthenscommunity resilience; nevertheless, the long-term psychological consequences remaininsufficiently evidenced.Keywords: Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience, Psychological First Aid, Disaster Management