Self-perceptions of well-being in professional helpers and volunteers operating in war contexts

J Health Psychol. 2013 Jul;18(7):911-25. doi: 10.1177/1359105312457804. Epub 2012 Sep 19.

Abstract

We carried out qualitative research with 61 health professionals and volunteer workers to explore their perceptions of their own and their clients' well-being in a context of political violence. We applied content analysis to identify the themes emerging from 8 focus group and 11 individual interviews. Participants were found to define the concept of well-being in terms of three key areas: security, participation, and development. Palestinian health providers see promotion of economic development and professional growth, involvement in political and social life, and resistance to the occupation as factors required to enhance well-being and quality of life for themselves and their clients.

Keywords: community health promotion; narratives; protective factors; qualitative methods; well-being.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Arabs / psychology
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Self Concept*
  • Sex Factors
  • Volunteers / psychology*
  • Warfare*