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Publication
Impacto da exposição direta e indireta a trauma em missões de salvamento de refugiados: Estudo qualitativo com Agentes da Polícia Marítima Portuguesa
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Como resposta europeia à “crise migratória” de 2015, a Polícia Marítima Portuguesa (PMP)
participou em missões de resgate marítimo e salvamento de pessoas em situação de refúgio,
promovidas pela Agência Europeia da Guarda de Fronteiras e Costeira (Frontex), na Grécia,
Itália e em Espanha. Enquanto profissionais de intervenção primária, os agentes da PMP
estiveram expostos a acontecimentos potencialmente traumáticos cumulativos, passíveis de
criar sofrimento psicológico significativo. O presente estudo qualitativo explorou o impacto
psicológico negativo e positivo dessa exposição em 48 agentes da PMP que participaram, em
média, em 7 missões entre 2015 e 2021. Através da análise temática foi possível identificar
quatro temas associados a: a) novas perspetivas de vida surgidas do confronto com populações
em vulnerabilidade extrema; b) sentimentos de autossatisfação com a prestação de apoio e
assistência; c) perceção de responsabilidade coletiva, enquanto cidadãos europeus, pelas
condições adversas e sofrimento dos refugiados e; d) reforço do compromisso e vocação
profissional que passa a definir um propósito e identidade para estes agentes da PMP. Os
resultados sugerem que a participação nas missões levou os agentes a reavaliarem perspetivas
e formas de estar na vida, influenciando positivamente a sua perceção de propósito, uma nova
valorização da vida, bem como a importância atribuída às relações interpessoais. Embora as
missões de resgate e salvamento apresentem desafios psicológicos significativos para os
agentes da PMP, são, também, passíveis de gerar mudanças psicológicas positivas nestes
profissionais.
ABSTRACT: As a European response to the “migrant crisis” in 2015, the Portuguese Maritime Police (PMP) participated in maritime rescue and humanitarian aid missions coordinated by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) in Greece, Italy, and Spain. As first responders, PMP officers were exposed to cumulative potentially traumatic events, which could lead to significant psychological distress. This qualitative study explored both the negative and positive psychological impacts of this exposure on 48 PMP officers, each of whom participated, on average, in seven missions between 2015 and 2021. Through thematic analysis, four key themes emerged: a) new life perspectives arising from interactions with extremely vulnerable populations; b) feelings of self-satisfaction from providing aid and assistance; c) a collective sense of responsibility, as European citizens, for the adverse conditions and suffering experienced by refugees; and d) a strengthened professional commitment and calling, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and identity among PMP officers. The findings suggest that participation in these missions led officers to reassess life perspectives and values, positively influencing their sense of purpose, appreciation for life, and the importance attributed to interpersonal relationships. While rescue and relief missions present significant psychological challenges for PMP officers, they also foster positive psychological changes among these professionals.
ABSTRACT: As a European response to the “migrant crisis” in 2015, the Portuguese Maritime Police (PMP) participated in maritime rescue and humanitarian aid missions coordinated by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) in Greece, Italy, and Spain. As first responders, PMP officers were exposed to cumulative potentially traumatic events, which could lead to significant psychological distress. This qualitative study explored both the negative and positive psychological impacts of this exposure on 48 PMP officers, each of whom participated, on average, in seven missions between 2015 and 2021. Through thematic analysis, four key themes emerged: a) new life perspectives arising from interactions with extremely vulnerable populations; b) feelings of self-satisfaction from providing aid and assistance; c) a collective sense of responsibility, as European citizens, for the adverse conditions and suffering experienced by refugees; and d) a strengthened professional commitment and calling, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and identity among PMP officers. The findings suggest that participation in these missions led officers to reassess life perspectives and values, positively influencing their sense of purpose, appreciation for life, and the importance attributed to interpersonal relationships. While rescue and relief missions present significant psychological challenges for PMP officers, they also foster positive psychological changes among these professionals.
Description
Dissertação de Mestrado
apresentada no Ispa – Instituto Universitário
para obtenção de grau de Mestre na
especialidade de Psicologia Clínica
Keywords
Trauma Ajustamento psicológico Trauma vicariante Exposição indireta ao trauma Crescimento pós-traumático Psychological adjustment Vicarious trauma Indirect trauma exposure Post-traumatic growth