Traumatic Stress in a Missionary Population: Dimensions and Impact

Abstract

Data Mining procedures were used to analyze responses of 173 missionaries surveyed about the nature and impact of traumatic stress (TS) they may have experienced while on the field. TS was almost universal, with the most frequent types involving system failure or personal crisis; there was also a high incidence of permanent negative change in those reporting TS, and over a third of these reported continuing symptoms almost a decade post-incident. Non-catastrophic stressors and stressors involving System Failure (particularly those with peer-System Failure) had higher TS impact. Severity, as seen in Total Impact and Total Number of Symptoms, was related to permanent negative change, as was age, with younger missionaries (possibly a generational rather than age or experience issue) being more vulnerable. Both destructive and salutogenic change were associated with TS, but no predictive variables were found for the latter.

Perceived Longitudinal Effects of SLMTs

“…Furthermore, many go with good intentions. However, in many situations, these trips cause immense damage to the recipients as well as the participants as they are faced with a significant amount of stress (Adeney, 2003; Bikos & Lewis Hall, 2009; Carter, 1999; Irvine, Armentrout, & Minor, 2006; Schaefer et al, 2007). For example, Walling et al (2006) found that stress from STMs can negatively impact participants as they reported difficulty adapting to new cultures, reentering back into the home culture, and experiencing confusion about their cultural identity.…”

“…After reviewing the literature, three key components appear to maximize the individual’s gains in intercultural competency: preparation, reflection, and debriefing (Ayee, 2014; Bjorck & Kim, 2009; Carter, 1999; Irvine, Armentrout, & Minor, 2006; La George, 2010; Tuttle, 1999; Walling et al, 2006; White, 1996). Specifically, it is crucial to both educate participants on the purpose of the trip and how to achieve team goals without damaging or negatively impacting the host community as well as preparing the participants in a way that will help them maximize their own personal growth and intercultural competency (Adeney, 2003).…”

The Implications of Pre-Field Training, Negative Family-Related Events, and Negative Pre-Field Events for Resilience among Cross-Cultural Workers

“…Though social support can protect against negative mental health outcomes, a lack of social support is also a significant risk factor (Eriksson et al, 2009; Irvine, Armentrout, & Miner, 2006; Turner, 1983). Notably, Irvine et al (2006) found that a “system failure,” defined as a lack of organizational support from supervisors and sending agencies, was the most frequent source of stress reported by cross-cultural workers (p. 333). As many as 75% of cross-cultural workers surveyed reported a permanent negative change as a consequence of the system failure (Irvine et al, 2006).…”

“…Notably, Irvine et al (2006) found that a “system failure,” defined as a lack of organizational support from supervisors and sending agencies, was the most frequent source of stress reported by cross-cultural workers (p. 333). As many as 75% of cross-cultural workers surveyed reported a permanent negative change as a consequence of the system failure (Irvine et al, 2006). Additionally, lack of team support was theorized to have a greater impact on cross-cultural workers than catastrophic stressors like a natural disaster (Carter, 1999; Irvine et al, 2006; Rosenbusch, Cerny II, & Earnest, 2015).…”

“…As many as 75% of cross-cultural workers surveyed reported a permanent negative change as a consequence of the system failure (Irvine et al, 2006). Additionally, lack of team support was theorized to have a greater impact on cross-cultural workers than catastrophic stressors like a natural disaster (Carter, 1999; Irvine et al, 2006; Rosenbusch, Cerny II, & Earnest, 2015). This suggests that research into smaller, or non-catastrophic, stressors, such as social isolation, feelings of safety, and dimensions of social support, may be vital to cross-cultural workers.…”