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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/217533
Barriers to accessing psychosocial support for humanitarian aid workers: a mixed methods enquiry
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Abstract
International and national humanitarian aid workers were recruited for this study through purposive sampling techniques using social media. Eight interviews and one focus group discussion were carried out (n=13), and a survey disseminated (n=62), to gather a broad range of perspectives on barriers for aid workers in seeking out and accessing psychosocial support. A thematic analysis was carried out on the interviews and focus group discussion. The hypothesis was that participants would describe a variety of personal, professional, and environmental barriers, with ‘tough-guy macho culture’ and/or ‘martyr culture’ being the strongest deterrent. Fourteen barriers, namely Accessibility, Appropriateness, Attitude, Availability, Confidentiality & trust, Duty of care, Guidance, Normalisation, Experience, Repercussions, Self-awareness, Self-reliance, Stigma, and Time, were identified. It is recommended that organisations improve provision of quality, appropriate psychosocial support for staff; that it’s communicated regularly, and they train staff on identification of when others are in need of support.
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COCKCROFT-MCKAY, Caitlin and EIROÁ OROSA, Francisco José. Barriers to accessing psychosocial support for humanitarian aid workers: a mixed methods enquiry. Disasters. 2021. Vol. 45, num. 4, pags. 762-796. ISSN 0361-3666. [consulted: 18 of August of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/217533