From Earthquake to Pandemic: A Study of Psychological Crisis Management and Human Security in Albania

By Dr. Elsida SINAJ, Prof. Dr. Kristaq XHARO

Abstract
Crises like natural disasters and pandemics pose serious human and national security challenges, creating deep psychological impacts that demand careful attention. This paper looks at how psychological management plays a key role in dealing with the aftermath of such crises and its effects on human security in Albania, focusing on two major events that took place in the same year: the November 2019 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores how these crises’ psychological impacts affect individuals and communities, and how those impacts influence both human and national security. Additionally, the paper examines the response measures taken by Albanian institutions to provide psychological support, along with the strategies used to reduce long-term negative effects on society. The study is based on a review of 54 existing literature on crisis management and its psychological aspects, as well as an analysis of empirical data from institutional reports and international organizations active in Albania during and after the earthquake and pandemic. By comparing these two case studies, the paper assesses the effectiveness of psychological crisis management responses and how well they contributed to protecting human security. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of building a strong framework for psychological management during crises and improving mental health policies to help safeguard human and national security in the future

Key words: Psychological management, Human security, National security, Crisis response, Pandemic impact