Traumatology, Vol 30(3), Sep 2024, 251-259; doi:10.1037/trm0000458
Aid workers have to deal with an environment where safety is often compromised, which also applies to humanitarian logisticians. With growing numbers of both emergencies and attacks on humanitarian workers, this environment is becoming even more challenging. The presented study focuses on trauma exposure of humanitarian logisticians. It answers two research questions. First, if these logisticians are exposed to traumatic events, and second, whether they voluntarily seek psychological support. Data were collected through a semistructured questionnaire distributed to various organizations and agencies. In total, 89 logisticians participated in this study. The results demonstrate that almost 89% of respondents often heard about trauma events, and around 50% of respondents have been directly exposed to some. Humanitarian logisticians name these trauma events as rebel attacks, shootings, or earthquakes. In total, 23 logisticians had voluntarily sought psychological counseling, and 11 logisticians have considered doing so. This study offers the first evidence of humanitarian logisticians’ mental health and trauma exposure. All humanitarian workers should be monitored for psychological distress. Adequate support should be provided to these people regardless of whether they are national or international workers or their job placement. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)