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Perspectives on Psychological Stressors and Psychosocial Support

Perspectives on Psychological Stressors and Psychosocial Support. Hannah Peters Based on MA Thesis 2011. Why is this an issue?.

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Perspectives on Psychological Stressors and Psychosocial Support

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  1. Perspectives on Psychological Stressors and Psychosocial Support Hannah Peters Based on MA Thesis 2011

  2. Why is this an issue? • “The Geneva Conventions cover humanitarian principles for wounded and sick, for shipwrecked, prisoners of war and civilians, but not aid workers. These workers have to comply with the conventions but cannot in return rely on them for their own security” (Lancet Editorial, 1999).

  3. Stressors • Chronic stressors: • Situational – daily life • Organisational – challenging work conditions • Emotional – emotional strain • Traumatic stressors (critical incidence/security threat)

  4. Progress made • Increasing awareness of issue • Guidelines for Good Practice • Peer Support Networks • Staff Support Units • Remaining problem: effectiveness

  5. Assets as liabilities • Obligation, duty, commitment • Culture of competitiveness and over-achieving • Humanitarian mentality: aid workers = a cross between Indiana Jones and Mother Theresa?

  6. Dichotomy • Mandatory support vs. the offer of help • Psychological consultations coming from external or internal sources

  7. Requirements for psychological support • Terminology • Perceived neutrality of psychologists • Psychological consultations to take place ‘off campus’ • Ideally first-hand ‘field’ experience

  8. Aid Workers League • Long-term support system (both social and psychological) • Family support • Support reintegration into job market • Raise public awareness

  9. Way forward • Accountability towards beneficiaries, towards donors AND towards staff • Openness to other ways of care • Small, practical improvements of life • Use experiences/opinions of aid workers

  10. Resources • Antares Foundation, 2006, Guidelines for Good Practice • Danieli, Y., 2002, Sharing the Front Line and the Back hills • Slim, H., 1995, The Continuing Metamorphosis of Humanitarian Practitioner • Ehrenreich, J., 2002, A guide for humanitarian, health and human rights workers • Eriksson, C., 2001,Trauma Exposure and PTSD Symptoms in International Relief and Development Personnel

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