Understanding the Psychology of Disaster Giving: Why Good Intentions Don’t Always Translate to Effective Aid

Man standing in front of his property after it was devastated by natural disaster

I promise this is my last post on harmful donations, but it is because we are so good! In the wake of disasters, I love that people get an overwhelming surge of empathy and altruism often compels people to reach into their pockets, and fill bags full of items, and offer support. But wait!! However, the noble impulse to help doesn’t always translate into effective aid. Understanding the psychology behind disaster giving sheds light on why well-intentioned gestures sometimes miss the mark.

The Hidden Harm of Unsolicited Donations: A Closer Look

A large pile of unsolicited donations

In times of crisis, whether natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies, the outpouring of support from well-intentioned donors is often swift and overwhelming. However, amidst the goodwill and generosity lies a lesser-known truth: unsolicited donations can sometimes do more harm than good to the communities they aim to assist.