Correlates of risk-taking behaviour and suicidality among humanitarian aid workers

Abstract

In an era of high need for humanitarian assistance, humanitarian aid workers face increased exposure to potentially traumatic events and, correspondingly, a greater risk of psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], and burnout). Less studied among humanitarian workers, however, are other known correlates of trauma-exposure: complex PTSD, risk-taking behaviours, and suicidality. The current study examined levels of trauma exposure and rates of trauma-related mental health disorders, risk-taking behaviour, and levels of suicidality among a sample (N = 232) of humanitarian workers located across 52 countries. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine which demographic (i.e., sex, age, cadre, years working as an aid worker), psychological (i.e., social support, personality traits), and trauma-related (trauma exposure, complex posttraumatic stress disorder [CPTSD] symptoms, and dissociation) variables were uniquely associated with risk-taking behaviours and suicidality. Overall, 12.9 % (95 % CI = 8.5 %, 17.2 %) of humanitarian workers met the diagnostic requirements for PTSD, and 8.6 % (95 % CI = 5.0 %, 12.2 %) met requirements for CPTSD. Higher risk-taking behaviours were significantly associated with being male, an international worker, greater trauma exposure, extraversion, neuroticism, and CPTSD symptoms. Suicidality was significantly associated with being an international staff member and higher levels of dissociation. Results are consistent with previous studies citing a high risk of psychological distress among humanitarian workers. Humanitarian aid agencies have a duty of care to their workers - both professional and volunteer - and greater safeguarding measures are necessary to mitigate the risk to mental health brought on by humanitarian work-related stressors.