Work-related stress in a humanitarian context: a qualitative investigation

Jachens, Liza; Houdmont, Jonathan; Thomas, Roslyn

Abstract

There is a paucity of research into the subjective stress-related experiences of humanitarian aid workers (HAWs). Most studies investigating stress in HAWs focus on trauma and related conditions or adopt a quantitative approach. This interview-based study explored how HAWs (n=58) employed by a United Nations aligned organisation perceived the transactional stress process. Thematic analysis revealed eight main themes. An emergency culture was found where most employees felt compelled to offer an immediate response to humanitarian needs. Employees experienced a strong identification with humanitarian goals and reported high engagement. The rewards of humanitarian work were perceived as motivating and meaningful. Constant change and urgent demands resulted in work overload. Managing work-life boundaries and receiving positive support from colleagues and managers helped buffer perceived stress, work overload and negative health outcomes. The practical implications of the results are discussed and suggestions made in light of current research and stress theory.

Citation

Jachens, L., Houdmont, J., & Thomas, R. (2018). Work-related stress in a humanitarian context: a qualitative investigation. Disasters, 42(4), 619-634. https://doi.org/10.1111/disa.12278

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 30, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Mar 13, 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Deposit Date: May 5, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 13, 2018
• Journal: Disasters
• Print ISSN: 0361-3666
• Electronic ISSN: 1467-7717
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 42
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 619-634
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/disa.12278
• Keywords: Humanitarian aid worker, Qualitative interviews, Work-related stress, Health, Well-being
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/919988
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/disa.12278
• Contract Date: May 5, 2017