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The value of support for aid workers in complex emergencies: a phenomenological study
1United Nations Mission in Sudan, United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Garden City, Buri, Khartoum, Sudan.
Summary
Aid workers in complex emergencies report a lack of support throughout their deployment. This unmet need negatively impacts their well-being and sense of accomplishment.
Area of Science:
- Disaster response
- Humanitarian aid
- Psychosocial support
Background:
- Increasing global complex emergencies pose significant threats.
- These events heighten psychosocial risks for aid workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine aid worker perceptions of support.
- Focus on experiences in complex emergencies.
Main Methods:
- Phenomenological approach.
- Interviews with 6 professional aid workers.
Main Results:
- Aid workers feel unsupported pre, during, and post-deployment.
- Lack of support leads to disappointment, reduced self-worth, and anger.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight critical support gaps for aid staff.
- Addresses the psychosocial impact on humanitarian workers.
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