Humanitarian activists are distinguished not only by their motivation to help others, but also by psychological characteristics that may shape both resilience and vulnerability to trauma. This pilot study examined factors associated with PTSD symptoms among activists working on the Polish-Belarusian border, a highly stressful and socially significant context. Twenty activists participated by completing the Revised Impact of Events Scale, the Mini-COPE Stress Coping Inventory, the IPIP-BFM-20 Brief Big Five Questionnaire, the SPP-25 Stress Measurement Scale, and answering questions about their border experiences.
Although the small sample size limited the ability to detect group differences in PTSD severity, several significant correlations emerged. The number of humanitarian interventions was positively related to coping through religion and PTSD intensity, as well as to agreeableness and acceptance as stress responses. Furthermore, activists experiencing stronger PTSD symptoms were more likely to seek psychiatric help, while those showing resilience and openness to experience tended to turn to psychological support.
The findings confirm a high level of traumatization in this group and illustrate the complex interplay between coping styles, personality traits, and mental health outcomes. From an applied perspective, the results highlight the urgent need for targeted psychological interventions, accessible counseling services, and preventive strategies aimed at reducing mental health risks among humanitarian activists. Supporting these individuals is essential not only for their personal well-being, but also for promoting social resilience in humanitarian crises.
This study provides an initial contribution to understanding vulnerability and resilience factors in humanitarian activism. It emphasizes the importance of further research and applied interventions that address trauma, strengthen psychological resources, and reduce inequalities in access to care.