Occupational stress and UN peacekeepers

Area of Science:

• Military Psychology
• Global Peace and Security Studies

Background:

• Ireland's long history of participation in international peacekeeping operations since the 1950s.
• Under-recognition and under-research of unique psychological stressors in military peacekeeping.
• Need to inform mental health professionals about peacekeeping-specific challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the distinct psychological difficulties faced by military peacekeepers.
• To explain the impact of these difficulties on peacekeeper mental health.
• To guide mental health professionals in supporting military and ex-military personnel.

Main Methods:

• Outline of the nature of peacekeeping operations.
• Review of limited existing literature on mental health effects of peacekeeping deployments.
• Identification of positive outcomes reported by peacekeepers.

Main Results:

• Mental health outcomes (positive and negative) are mission-dependent and vary over time.
• Rates of post-traumatic stress disorder range from 3% to 15%, influenced by mission violence.
• Most peacekeepers report enriching experiences from their deployments.

Conclusions:

• Peacekeepers often experience traumatic events as both witnesses and victims.
• Mission mandate restrictions can be a significant source of stress.
• Continuous mental health support is essential for peacekeepers, both during deployment and post-service.