Experiences of Work-Related Trauma among Youth Professionals in Transitional Justice Organizations in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and Egypt: A Qualitative Study
Résumé
Conflict and peacebuilding professionals working in transitional justice and related fields are routinely exposed to violence, human rights violations, political repression, displacement, death, and traumatic accounts from affected populations. Despite their professional engagement with conflict-affected communities, comparatively limited attention is given to the psychological consequences of these professionals. This study examined experiences of work-related trauma among young professionals working in two transitional justice and peacebuilding organizations across four African Countries. The study employed a qualitative research design among seven youth professionals, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in Nairobi, Kenya. The study was guided by the Transactional Model of Stress, the Moral Injury Theory, and Coping and Constructivist Self-Development Theory, which provided frameworks for understanding participants' appraisal of traumatic experiences, coping responses, and changes in their psychological and interpersonal functioning. Interview data were analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns across participants' accounts. The findings of the study indicate that, participants experienced direct exposure to political threats, surveillance, insecurity, and attacks associated with their professional roles. They experienced repeated exposure to human suffering, atrocities, and the traumatic narratives of survivors and affected communities. At the same time, participants described consequences of trauma, including hypervigilance, fear, cognitive disruption, anger, helplessness, distrust, emotional exhaustion, and changes in perceptions of safety and social relationships. Participant again reported a range of coping and adaptation strategies, including spirituality and prayer, family and peer support, physical activity and recreation, and professional psychological support. However, participants also identified gaps in organizational psychosocial support, including limited access to mental-health professionals and organizational expectations to continue working despite psychological distress. The findings demonstrate that work-related trauma is a significant psychological concern among professionals engaged in transitional justice and peacebuilding. The study contributes to the emerging literature on the psychological well-being of conflict and peacebuilding professionals by shifting attention from the trauma experienced by conflict-affected populations to the psychological experiences of those who work directly with them. It provides evidence that can inform trauma-informed organizational policies, staff-support systems, and mental-health interventions within transitional justice and peacebuilding organizations.
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