Through a multi-dimensional approach, this research explores the response of semi-arid watersheds to ecological disturbances caused by human activities. To accomplish this objective, we selected a pilot area situated in the Ardabil Province (Iran), and a total of 29 different driving forces (D1-D29) were identified. Subsequently, two statistical tests, the chi-square test and Spearman correlation, were applied to screen the optimal driving forces. The optimal driving forces weighting was conducted using both equal and CRITIC methods. Four multifunctional disturbance indices-MDIL (land use), MDID (demography), MDIP (pollution), and MDIH (hydrology)-were calculated. The overall disturbance index (ODIA, G), derived from arithmetic and geometric means across 27 sub-watersheds, indicated that both screening methods similarly identified the optimal driving forces. Characterization for MDIL involved irrigated, dry farming, agricultural and residential areas, rangeland territories, residential and agricultural areas, using a 600 m buffer. For MDID, density of population and density of workers in agriculture were considered, while specific sediment yield and density of mining operations were crucial for MDIP. Finally, slope played a significant role in MDIH characterization. The mean multifunctional disturbance indices (0.24-0.52) were obtained almost similarly by all integration methods. The higher values of ODIA and ODIG were also estimated according to Spearman correlation-based rather than Chi-Square-based. The spatial mapping also revealed that central and western sub-watersheds were more under disturbances stress.