The Theology of Missions

Psychological Issues
Aid Workers are exposed to tough conditions and have to be flexible, resilient and
responsible in an environment that humans are not psychologically supposed to deal
with, in such a severity that trauma is common. In recent years, a number of concerns
have been raised about the mental health of Aid Workers.
The most prevalent issue faced by Humanitarian Aid Workers is Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder. Adjustment to normal life again can be a problem, with feelings such as guilt
being caused by the simple knowledge that international aid workers can leave a crisis
zone, whilst nationals cannot.
A 2015 survey conducted by The Guardian with aid workers of the Global Development
Professionals Network, revealed that 79 percent experienced mental health issues.
Standards
During the past decade the humanitarian community has initiated a number of
interagency initiatives to improve accountability, quality and performance in
humanitarian action. Four of the most widely known initiatives are the Active Learning
Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action (ALNAP),
Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP), People In Aid and the Sphere Project.
Representatives of these initiatives began meeting together on a regular basis in 2003
in order to share common issues and harmonize activities where possible.
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