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Traumatology
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Article

Sustaining a Positive Altruistic Identity in Humanitarian Aid Work: A Qualitative Case Study

Lynne McCormack*, Stephen Joseph, and Martin S. Hagger

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: lqxlm2{at}nottingham.ac.uk.


  Abstract
This case study explores the interpersonal and intrapersonal experiences of a single individual who spent more than 35 years in humanitarian aid work. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, one superordinate theme, altruistic identity (AI), emerges. On return home following a humanitarian mission, AI requires (a) strong perception of empathic validation for intimate reintegration and (b) self-acceptance of personal involvement. However, AI disruption is related to (a) a perception of rejection or weak empathic validation for intimate reintegration and (b) self-blame leading to isolation from intimate others. With AI disruption, validation is alternately sought from humanitarian colleagues and/or by returning to the field. Results suggest that postmission reintegration processes are important determinants of psychological well-being. The authors also discuss the organization’s role in addressing the psychosocial care of their staff on return from mission to reduce long-term social disruption and psychological distress.

First published on April 20, 2009, doi:10.1177/1534765609332325

Traumatology 2009;15:109.

A more recent version of this article appeared on June 1, 2009

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