Humanizing Work: Occupational Mental Health of Humanitarian Aid Workers

A neglected aspect of refugee relief works: Secondary and vicarious traumatic stress

“…Additionally, occupational stressors, such as financial concerns, feeling undervalued, and the status of one's contract have been shown to be precursors for burnout, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, HAWs are sometimes refugees themselves, which may place them at a high risk of developing psychological problems, as they are additionally faced with the challenge of being a victim of violence themselves (Foo et al., 2021), and encountering physical violence (Stoddard et al., 2011). Furthermore, studies have shown that the prevalence of anxiety and depression are higher among national NGO staff (i.e., staff who are refugees themselves and/or have been affected by the traumatic event) as compared to staff who work for United Nations–related agencies (Foo et al., 2021).…”

“…Moreover, HAWs are sometimes refugees themselves, which may place them at a high risk of developing psychological problems, as they are additionally faced with the challenge of being a victim of violence themselves (Foo et al., 2021), and encountering physical violence (Stoddard et al., 2011). Furthermore, studies have shown that the prevalence of anxiety and depression are higher among national NGO staff (i.e., staff who are refugees themselves and/or have been affected by the traumatic event) as compared to staff who work for United Nations–related agencies (Foo et al., 2021). Foo and colleagues (2021) found that almost 90% of field personnel comprises national staff, and Bunny (2017) reported that national staff is paid less than other HAWs who work with international NGOs.…”

“…Furthermore, studies have shown that the prevalence of anxiety and depression are higher among national NGO staff (i.e., staff who are refugees themselves and/or have been affected by the traumatic event) as compared to staff who work for United Nations–related agencies (Foo et al., 2021). Foo and colleagues (2021) found that almost 90% of field personnel comprises national staff, and Bunny (2017) reported that national staff is paid less than other HAWs who work with international NGOs. Notably, interpreters are often refugees, as they typically speak the same language as the refugees they are serving (Engstrom et al., 2010; Miller et al., 2005).…”

“…The association between occupational difficulties and mental health outcomes among HAWs can be explained via occupational health models. The most common occupational health models used in the field of humanitarian aid are the effort–reward imbalance model (ERI) and organizational support theory (Foo et al., 2021). Coined by Siegrist (1996), the ERI posits that the imbalance between effort (i.e., long working hours, possible threat) and reward (i.e., physical security, financial security) may cause emotional distress and burnout among this population.…”

“…Coined by Siegrist (1996), the ERI posits that the imbalance between effort (i.e., long working hours, possible threat) and reward (i.e., physical security, financial security) may cause emotional distress and burnout among this population. Studies have shown that perceived ERI more strongly impacts mental health than trauma exposure (Foo et al., 2021). In another report by the UNHCR (2016), 72% of service providers reported perceived ERI; in the same report, the prevalence of diminished personal accomplishment was 43%, and the prevalence of secondary trauma was 38%.…”