Et studie af vestlig humanitær hjælp i Afrika og den potentielle påvirkning på modtagernes mentale sundhed: Et eksplorativt mixed methods studie af et tanzanisk sample

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential impact of humanitarian aid provided by people of European descent on mental health of the people who receive the aid in Africa. Concepts such as ‘white saviour’ have in the media given rise to vast criticism of any humanitarian aid provided by people of European descent, as this is interpreted as means of self-realisation. Not only are the intentions criticised, but also the effects of the aid are questioned. Help provided by westerners is especially criticised as degrading due to the history of colonisation and the current neo-colonial discourses. These discourses portray the entire African people as helpless, impoverished and in need of saving(X), which in turn is argued to passivate the people, sustain poverty and the mentality hereof. This critique can undermine almost any humanitarian effort provided by Europeans due to its potential counterproductive nature, which hinders positive long-term effects. Regarding potential psychological effects caused by humanitarian aid provided by people of European descent, no empirical evidence from the perspectives of the African people was found through this study's scoping review. Due to the lack of empirical evidence an explorative mixed methods study with a pragmatic approach was here conducted on a Tanzanian sample. Through an online survey the respondents answered both quantitative and qualitative questions. A measure of mental health was operationalised through two psychometric scales: The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the New General Self-Efficacy Scale. The data was interpreted through a social psychological perspective, using Henri Tajfel’s social identity theory. Due to a small sample size the initial aim of a comparative analysis was not possible. Instead, a non-parametric correlation analysis was conducted. This study showed no statistically significant correlation between the duration of contact with white/European volunteers and scores on either of the two psychometric scales. The qualitative data showed contradictory opinions and experiences, which stresses the complexity of this issue. A thematic analysis was conducted and showed themes that revealed multiple sources of a potential negative impact on both self-worth and self-efficacy. This includes social comparison that can have a passivating effect, neglect of cultural context, norms and knowledge and being less valued. On the contrary some also stated a need for European support and a great value of equal cooperation that can benefit both parties. The findings of this study opens a discussion about the complexity of the topic, the contributions of this limited exploratory study and calls for further research that includes the perspective of the host communities’ that receive humanitarian aid.

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Et studie af vestlig humanitær hjælp i Afrika og den potentielle påvirkning på modtagernes mentale sundhed: Et eksplorativt mixed methods studie af et tanzanisk sample

[A study in western humanitarian aid in Africa and its potential impact on mental health of the recipients: An explorative mixed methods study of a Tanzanian sample]