The experiences of security industry contractors working in Iraq: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the occupational experiences of private security contractors working in a war zone and how it impacts on their mental health.


METHODS
Semistructured interviews were conducted with seven contractors employed by a large UK-based private security company. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts. Participants also completed the 12-item General Health Questionnaire and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist.


RESULTS
Four overarching themes emerged: the appeal of the job; vulnerability; keep going; and seeking help for stress in the workplace. No clinically significant levels of distress were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Contractors are frequently exposed to stressors known to increase risk of psychiatric difficulty in military personnel. A number of potential protective factors were identified. Only a minority of participants were open to seeking help for mental health difficulties.
Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Surrey, United Kingdom.
Katy
K
Messenger
Lorna
L
Farquharson
Pippa
P
Stallworthy
Paul
P
Cawkill
Neil
N
Greenberg
D000328:Adult; D003284:Contract Services; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012637:Security Measures; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires