Is peacekeeping peaceful? A systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the literature on the association between deployment to a peacekeeping mission and distress, mental disorders, and suicide.


METHODS
Peer-reviewed English publications were found through key word searches in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Embase, and by contacting authors in the field. Sixty-eight articles were included in this review.


RESULTS
Some studies have found higher levels of postdeployment distress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Most studies have not shown an increased risk of suicide in former peacekeepers. Correlates of distress and PTSD symptoms included level of exposure to traumatic events during deployment, number of deployments, predeployment personality traits or disorder, and postdeployment stressors. Perceived meaningfulness of the mission, postdeployment social supports, and positive perception of homecoming were associated with lower likelihood of distress.


CONCLUSIONS
Most peacekeepers do not develop high levels of distress or symptoms of PTSD. As postdeployment distress is consistently shown to be associated with high levels of exposure to combat during deployment, targeted interventions for peacekeepers who have been exposed to high levels of combat should be considered.
Sareen
Jitender
J
Psychology, and Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Stein
Murray B
MB
Thoresen
Siri
S
Belik
Shay-Lee
SL
Zamorski
Mark
M
Asmundson
Gordon Jg
GJ
D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D008960:Models, Psychological; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012307:Risk Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D014857:Warfare