Psychological Distress And Coping Strategies Of Ghanaian Military Peacekeepers In Peace Support Operations

Abstract

This research study explored the topic “Psychological Distress and Coping Strategies of Ghanaian Military Peacekeepers in Peace Support Operations.” The study was guided by the biopsychosocial and the transactional stress models. It adopted a quantitative research design through surveys to investigate the experiences of Ghanaian military peacekeepers during peace support operations. Three hundred and seven (307) participants from the Ghana Armed Forces aged 23-57 who were serving in Peace Support Operations (PSOs) were chosen for the study using purposive sampling. The primary objectives were to measure the levels of psychological distress as well as the coping strategies of these Ghanaian peacekeepers. The study also investigated the difference between age groups in the coping strategies and also investigated the relationship between psychological distress and their coping strategies. Questionnaires that included standardised measures such as DASS 21, Brief Symptom Inventory and the Brief Cope were used in collecting data. To test the various hypotheses, one-way MANOVA, Multiple Regression analysis, Pearson product moment correlation and Spearman rank correlation tests were utilised. Most military peacekeepers displayed significant levels of psychological distress. The study also uncovered that maladaptive coping strategies were prevalent among these soldiers. Another finding from the study was the positive correlation between psychological distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms among the soldiers. It is advised that military high command give peacekeepers access to cognitive health assistance throughout the time of PSOs. Additionally, it is very essential to promote the integration of training in adaptive cooping systems. Finally, the military must promote peer support initiatives among peacekeepers as a culture.