Pathway Selection for Enhancing the Efficiency of Psychological Crisis Intervention Resource Integration during Major Emergencies: Evidence from China

Abstract

In major emergencies, psychological crisis intervention plays a critical role in safeguarding public mental health and supporting post-disaster recovery. However, uneven resource allocation underscores the urgent need for more efficient resource integration pathways. This study, based on data from Chinese governmental and health departmental reports in 2022, employs a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and a fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to evaluate the efficiency of psychological crisis intervention resource integration across various regions. It investigates the combined effects of internal and external factors on improving integration efficiency through a configurational approach. The findings reveal that while the overall efficiency of resource integration is relatively high, there are notable differences between institutions. The analysis identifies five key pathways: policy support-driven (H1), professional capability-driven (H2), comprehensive synergy-driven (H3), resource optimization (NH1), and community empowerment (NH2). Despite regional disparities, effectively integrating key resources can enhance overall efficiency. Coordinating internal and external factors and optimizing essential resources are crucial for improving the effectiveness of psychological crisis interventions. This research offers actionable insights into integration strategies to strengthen psychological crisis intervention during emergencies. The findings also provide practical solutions to improve disaster preparedness and intervention efficiency, addressing a key gap in crisis resource management research.