Reconstructing theory in mental health and psychosocial support and peacebuilding: Towards an integrated model for psychosocial peacebuilding

Abstract

Despite wide agreement among practitioners on the need for integration, mental health and peacebuilding practice remain siloed in conflict-affected contexts. Yet before the integration of these two fields should occur, a revaluation of existing practice is needed. Within the field of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), critics have long questioned dominant assumptions and treatment models, raising concerns about top-down implementation, Western-centric approaches, and a lack of community leadership. These criticisms are largely echoed within peacebuilding literature. Furthermore, both fields underappreciate the overlap between their practices. For example, the relationship between the structural drivers of poor mental health or the social-psychological drivers underpinning peacebuilding. Accordingly, this article seeks to contribute to the development of a novel, integrated approach to MHPSS and peacebuilding—or ‘psychosocial peacebuilding’. In doing so, we address dominant critiques of both fields, before discussing the relevance of critical (community) psychology as an ideal means in which to bridge a theoretical and practical gap between fields. Using quality peace as a guiding normative theory, we will also reinforce the argument that working to address mental health concerns is essential to creating peace in post-conflict contexts. It concludes by exploring potential avenues for further research. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.