A Systems Thinking approach to understand the complexity of Occupational Mental Health behind SDG’s workforce

Ginny McAllister

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Aid workers, dedicated to serving beneficiaries and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiatives, face significant risks of burnout and mental health challenges. Despite their pivotal role in realising SDGs targets, research on the mental well-being of aid workers remains understudied compared to other helping professions. This thesis aims to address this gap by employing a Systems Thinking approach to delve into the complexities of occupational mental health within the humanitarian and development aid sector. Utilising a systematic quantitative literature review, this study developed a preliminary Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) and Stakeholder Analysis Matrix (SAM), subsequently qualitatively validated through consultations with five experts from diverse backgrounds including mental health, humanitarian aid, and development aid. With the collaboration of both the author and experts, 34 variables were identified and integrated into the final CLD. The findings from the CLD highlighted a reinforcing feedback loop between burnout, achieving SDGs targets, and mental health stigma, underscoring the imperative to address aid worker burnout. Furthermore, psychosocial interventions were observed to mitigate burnout within a reinforcing loop, yet their efficacy is largely contingent upon supportive organisational policies and donor funding requirements. The SAM findings reveal 12 stakeholders as pivotal in addressing burnout and enhancing mental well-being within the sector, with supervisors and donors emerging as particularly influential stakeholders. The CLD lays the groundwork for quantitative systems science approaches, which can compare and optimise psychosocial interventions, leading to a more resilient workforce within the aid sector.

Keywords

Mental Well-being, Resilience, Systems Science Approach, Effort Reward Imbalance, Occupational Stress, Development Cooperation

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 29. 5. 2024
• Supervisor: Ing. Jana Mazancová, Ph.D.
• Reader: Jiří Hejkrlík, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme:
International Cooperation in Agricultural and Rural Development