dc.contributor.author
Walther, Lena
dc.contributor.author
Rayes, Diana
dc.contributor.author
Amann, Julia
dc.contributor.author
Flick, Uwe
dc.contributor.author
Ta, Thi Minh Tam
dc.contributor.author
Hahn, Eric
dc.contributor.author
Bajbouj, Malek
dc.date.accessioned
2022-01-27T11:28:31Z
dc.date.available
2022-01-27T11:28:31Z
dc.identifier.uri
https://refubium.fu-berlin.de/handle/fub188/33729
dc.identifier.uri
http://dx.doi.org/10.17169/refubium-33449
dc.description.abstract
Introduction: Forcibly displaced people are at particular risk of mental health problems and also face specific integration challenges upon resettlement. Existing literature suggests that there may be a bidirectional relationship between mental health and integration. The present study seeks to understand the relationship between integration processes and mental health problems or significant negative emotional experiences among adult refugees in Germany.
Method: Applying a qualitative approach, we conducted 54 semi-structured interviews with refugees and asylum seekers who arrived in Germany between 2013 and 2018 currently residing in Berlin, Leipzig, or the Duisburg area in North Rhine-Westphalia. Data was collected between December 2018 and September 2019. We analyzed transcripts inductively using thematic analysis.
Results: Five themes covering the various links between integration and mental health problems or significant negative emotional experiences were identified. First, we found that the mental health consequences of past adverse experiences, as well as ongoing worries about those left behind in the homeland, can seriously impede refugees' ability to pursue activities key to integration. Second, the process of applying for and securing asylum can result in uncertainty and fear, which, in turn, burden the individual and may impact motivation for integration. Third, many of our participants described mental health ramifications related to feeling stuck and thwarted in the pursuit of building a life, especially in securing employment. Fourth, some participants described feeling so overwhelmed by fundamental tasks throughout the integration process, namely, language learning and bureaucratic processes, that these take a psychological toll. Fifth, we identified several forms of social disconnection between refugees and members of the host community due to xenophobia, social and cultural differences, physical and emotional isolation in refugee camps, as well as with co-nationals and fellow refugees. Negative emotions, mistrust, and socio-cultural differences that emerge throughout the integration processes seem to erode social cohesion among refugee communities, potentially further threatening mental health.
Conclusion: Mental health problems and integration processes appear to be closely related across different areas of integration. Innovative solutions to challenges identified by members of the refugee community in Germany stand to benefit mental health and integration outcomes simultaneously.
en
dc.rights.uri
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.subject
asylum seekers
en
dc.subject
mental health
en
dc.subject
qualitative study
en
dc.subject.ddc
600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften::610 Medizin und Gesundheit::610 Medizin und Gesundheit
dc.title
Mental Health and Integration: A Qualitative Study on the Struggles of Recently Arrived Refugees in Germany
dc.type
Wissenschaftlicher Artikel
dcterms.bibliographicCitation.articlenumber
576481
dcterms.bibliographicCitation.doi
10.3389/fpubh.2021.576481
dcterms.bibliographicCitation.journaltitle
Frontiers in Public Health
dcterms.bibliographicCitation.originalpublishername
Frontiers Media SA
dcterms.bibliographicCitation.volume
9
refubium.affiliation
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
refubium.resourceType.isindependentpub
no
dcterms.accessRights.openaire
open access
dcterms.bibliographicCitation.pmid
34805055
dcterms.isPartOf.eissn
2296-2565