State of Trauma: Impact of Historical Trauma on Societal Attitudes Toward Foreign Humanitarian Aid in Poland

Abstract

This thesis investigates whether historical trauma could influence societal perceptions of foreign
humanitarian aid, with a particular focus on Poland. The study explores how collective memory and
past experiences of occupation, repression, and conflict might shape trust towards foreign
humanitarian actors. A mixed-method approach was applied, consisting of expert interviews and a
public survey. The interviews provided insights into how historical trauma is transmitted
intergenerationally and how it manifests in societal behaviours, while the survey examined current
attitudes of adult Poles towards local and foreign humanitarian organisations. Although no significant
differences were found in the overall trust towards foreign versus local humanitarian organisations, the
findings suggest that historical trauma influences interpersonal trust and perceptions of aid based on
cultural familiarity and value alignment. Interviews highlighted that unresolved trauma can foster
scepticism, especially when external support is perceived as paternalistic or as having a hidden
agenda. The results indicate that, even in societies where major traumatic events have not occurred in
recent decade, historical experiences can continue to affect attitudes towards foreign interventions.
This thesis concludes that humanitarian organisations should take into consideration the historical
context of the communities they assist, as recognising and addressing collective trauma can be critical
for building trust and delivering effective aid. Future research is needed to better understand how
historical trauma shapes attitudes towards foreign humanitarian assistance, both in Poland and other
historically traumatised societies.

Popular Abstract

Heading:

Living in the Past: The Hidden Weight of History in Modern Perception of Humanitarian Aid

Introduction:

Some Poles feel uncomfortable receiving help from international humanitarian organisations. This
study shows how historical trauma quietly shapes trust, perception, and willingness to accept foreign
aid.

Main Text:

Imagine a major crisis striking the place you live in. Your home is damaged, resources are low, and
survival depends on outside assistance. A foreign humanitarian organisation sends their responders to
offer relief. Would you let them help you? For many people, the answer depends not only on the
urgency of the moment, but also on past experiences that shaped their current perception of the world.
This research investigates how communities with a history of traumatic events perceive foreign
humanitarian assistance, with a particular focus on Poland. As a country that survived partitions,
occupations, and authoritarian rule, but now exists in the state of peace, Poland offers a unique case
for examining if, and how, historical trauma might impact societal perceptions of foreign aid.
Historical trauma refers to the long term impact of collective traumatic experiences that are
transmitted across generations. It often manifests in behaviours like heightened caution, mistrust of
outsiders, and a need for sovereignty and self-reliance. Interviews with psychologists and sociologists
highlighted how trauma is passed through family stories, education, political narratives, and media.
Although it is not always consciously recognised, historical trauma can re-emerge in moments of
crisis, influencing how societies respond to involvement of foreign institutions, even if it comes in the
form of humanitarian aid. While many participants were open to international assistance, some
expressed discomfort, especially towards aid from countries historically associated with harm.
The data further showed that aid organisations seen as paternalistic, politically motivated, or
disconnected from local needs were more likely to provoke scepticism. In contrast, organisations that
respect local culture are more likely to be trusted. Interestingly, historical trauma does not only create
barriers but can also foster solidarity, which suggests that under certain circumstances, memories of
past hardship can lead to empathetic and prosocial responses.
The findings of this research highlight the importance of context-aware and trauma-sensitive
humanitarian approaches. In societies marked by historical trauma, overlooking the traumatic past can
unintentionally reinforce distrust or resistance. Aid that is culturally insensitive or misaligned with
local values might be viewed not as support, but as intrusion. By recognising the influence of history,
humanitarian organisations can better adapt their strategies to avoid retraumatisation and improve
cooperation with affected communities.

• author: Faszczowy, Weronika
• supervisor: Misse Wester
• organization: Division of Risk Management and Societal Safety
• course: VBRM15 20251
• year: 2025
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Social Sciences
• keywords: intergenerational trauma, collective memory, post-trauma societies, aid perception, foreign interventions, humanitarian assistance
• language: English
• id: 9196314
• date added to LUP: 2025-06-12 10:55:52
• date last changed: 2025-06-12 10:55:52