Psychology and Humanitarian Assistance

Abstract

Abstract The world of humanitarian assistance has grown significantly in scope and professionalism over the last fifty years. However, unlike many other disciplines, psychology has had little impact on work in this field. Uncertainty regarding the developmental relevance of the discipline is identified as one of the factors that have contributed to this situation. The cultural specificity of psychological analysis and the lack of global representation within psychology are identified as further constraints on the discipline’s influence in this field. However, there are indications that these constraints are being successfully addressed. Developments in the understanding of child mental health, the nature of ethnopolitical conflict and the organisational needs of non-governmental agencies demonstrate the potential relevance and utility of psychology within the field of humanitarian assistance.