Psychosocial support (PSS) in war-affected countries: a literature review

During the last few decades, psychosocial support (PSS) has become a frequent component of assistance programmes in ongoing and post-conflict contexts, and is increasingly becoming an area of interest and action for agencies working in such environments. A growing body of literature advocates for war-affected populations’ need for PSS programmes, and argues their relevance in post-conflict reconstruction processes, peacebuilding and social healing. In light of the rising interest in and widespread implementation of PSS programmes, their key elements, history, and population impact deserves examination. Therefore, this literature review presents an overview of the origins, evolution, and embedded assumptions of psycho-social support in war-affected areas and examines existing evidence of the impact of PSS on targeted populations.