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Cry in the sky: Psychological impact on drone operators
Rajiv Kumar Saini1, M S V K Raju2, Amit Chail3
1Command Hospital Eastern Command, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Industrial Psychiatry Journal
|December 15, 2021
Summary
Drone warfare personnel may experience significant psychological distress, including emotional disengagement and burnout. This review highlights the mental health challenges faced by remote pilots and support staff in modern military operations.
Area of Science:
- Military Psychology
- Remote Warfare Studies
Background:
- Drone operations are increasingly utilized in modern warfare, offering strategic advantages at lower costs than conventional methods.
- Despite operational benefits, the psychological well-being of drone operators and support staff is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the psychological issues affecting drone operators and support staff.
- To identify common mental health challenges associated with drone warfare operations.
Main Methods:
- A nonsystematic narrative review of relevant articles was conducted.
- The review focused on psychological effects on drone operators and support personnel.
Main Results:
- Drone operators and support staff exhibit higher risks of emotional disengagement.
- Increased prevalence of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), emotional exhaustion, and burnout was observed in drone personnel.
- These psychological issues can negatively impact mental health and operational efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Drone warfare poses unique psychological risks to operators and support staff.
- Addressing the mental health needs of drone personnel is crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness.
- Further research may explore interventions to mitigate these psychological challenges.
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