Bibliographic Information
Article Title
Mental Health and the Field Research Team
Journal Title
Advances in Archaeological Practice
Author(s)
Eifling, Kurt P.
Month of Publication
March
Year of Publication
2021
Volume Number
9
Issue Number
1
Article Pages
10–22
Web Address (URL)
Additional Information
Language
English
Notes
Abstract
Due to the intellectual, physical, and emotional demands of field research, those doing this work need to strategies to monitor and maintain their own mental health before, during, and after a field season. Moreover, they should have a framework for supporting their colleagues. This review article will present a framework for assessing the mental health hazards and the reactions, both positive and negative, to fieldwork. First, it will use U.S. epidemiology to show that most field teams are at risk. Second, it will frame the field season both as a workplace and wilderness exposure event and discuss the elements of the field research environment that can be therapeutic for some but toxic for others. Third, it will discuss the psychological impacts of travel and reintegration as they are pertinent to the practice of archaeology. Research will be presented in order to guide evidence-informed policies for the field research team to improve the mental-health readiness and resiliency of the research team. Last, it will provide guidance on how to manage the anxiety caused by separating from social media platforms.
Taxonomies
RPA Codes & Standards
- Adequate Preparation for Research Projects
- Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
- Integrity of Research Methodology
- Procedures for Field Survey or Excavation
CIfA Codes
- Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
- Principle 5: Recognition of aspirations of employees, colleagues and helpers in all matters of employment
Keywords & Terms
- Adequate Preparation
- Culture Shock
- Emergency Response
- Equity and Representation; Discrimination and Harassment
- Funding, Employment, and/or Compensation for Work
- General Archaeological Ethics
- Incident Response
- Integrity of Research Methodology and Field Procedures
- Mental Health
- Mentorship
- Outdoor Leadership
- Pedagogy
- Professional Qualification
- Professional Relationships and Communication
- Professional Standards
- Reflexivity
- Standards of Training and Student/Teacher Responsibilities
- Transparency
- Workplace Safety Standards
Topics & Issues
- #metoo
- Ableism in Archaeology
- Archaeological Education
- Archaeological Ethics - Other
- Archaeological Societies and Codes of Ethics
- Careers in Archaeology
- Compensation for Work
- Contract Archaeology
- Cultural Resource Management (CRM)
- Digital Archaeology, Social Media, and Ethics Online
- Equity, Representation, and Diversity
- Ethical Case Studies
- Ethical Dilemmas
- Ethical Responsibilities of Archaeologists
- Ethnicity in Archaeology
- Feminism and Intersectionality
- Gender and Sexuality
- Gender Equality
- Heritage Management
- Human Rights and Social and Economic Inequalities
- Job Security, Unemployment, and Compensation
- LGBTQ Issues and Queer Archaeology
- Privilege and Issues of Inclusivity
- Professional Development
- Professionalism and Professional Standards
- Race in Archaeology
- Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, and Other Forms of Discrimination
- Sexual Harassment
- Universities, Academia, and Student Training
- Women in Archaeology
- Working with Student Volunteers and the Public

