# Indirect Exposure to Atrocities and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms among Aid Workers: Hemispheric Lateralization Matters

## TL;DR

This study shows that aid workers with left-brain dominance are more likely to develop stress symptoms from indirect exposure to atrocities, while right-brain dominance offers some protection.

## Contribution

The study reveals that hemispheric lateralization moderates the impact of indirect trauma exposure on stress symptoms in aid workers.

## Key findings

- Indirect exposure to atrocities was positively linked to post-traumatic stress symptoms (r = 0.39, p < 0.005).
- Left hemispheric lateralization was associated with a stronger link between indirect exposure and stress symptoms (r = 0.52, p = 0.008).
- Right hemispheric lateralization acted as a protective factor against stress symptoms from indirect trauma exposure.

## Abstract

Background: Humanitarian aid workers (HAWs) are indirectly exposed to atrocities relating to people of concern (POC). This may result in a risk of secondary traumatization demonstrated by post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs). Previous studies have demonstrated that hemispheric lateralization (HL) moderates the relationship between threat exposure and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs). Aims: We hypothesized that indirect exposure to atrocities (IETA) would be positively correlated with PTSSs among HAWs with right and not left HL. Method: Fifty-four HAWs from several countries that provided humanitarian support in Greece and Colombia participated in this correlational and cross-sectional observation study. They completed scales relating to IETA, PTSSs were assessed using a brief, valid scale, and HL was measured. Results: IETA was positively and significantly related to PTSSs (r = 0.39, p < 0.005). Considering HL, IETA was unrelated to PTSSs among people with right HL (r = 0.29, p = 0.14), while IETA was related to PTSSs among people with left HL (r = 0.52, p = 0.008). Right HL emerged as a protective factor in the relationship between IETA and PTSS. Conclusions: An assessment of dominant HL can serve as one consideration among others when deploying HAWs in specific locations and roles, vis à vis IETA. Moreover, those found to have a higher risk for PTSSs based on their HL could be monitored more closely to prevent adverse reactions to IETA.