The Relationship Between Trauma, Post-Migration Problems and the Psychological Well-Being of Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Kenneth Carswell, Pennie Blackburn and Chris Barker
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Kenneth Carswell: The Traumatic Stress Clinic, Camden and Islington Foundation Trust, 73 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4PL, UK, ken.carswell@uclmail.net
Pennie Blackburn: The Traumatic Stress Clinic, Camden & Islington Foundation Trust, 73 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4PL, UK
Chris Barker: Clinical Department, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2011, vol. 57, issue 2, 107-119

Abstract: Background: There is growing evidence of the impact of post-migration factors on the mental health of refugees. To date, few UK studies have been conducted. Aims: The study investigated the relationship between trauma, post-migration problems, social support and the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers. Methods: Refugees and asylum seekers ( n = 47) were recruited mainly from clinical settings. Self-report measures of post-migration problems, mental health problems and social support were completed in an interview. Results: Bivariate associations were identified between increased symptoms and number of traumas, adaptation difficulties, loss of culture and support and confidant support. In multivariate analyses post-migration problems were significantly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and emotional distress. There was no significant association of symptoms and number of traumas or social support. Conclusions: The results suggest that clinical services should provide holistic interventions within a phased approach when working with refugees and asylum seekers. At a policy level, the results suggest the need for asylum policies that reduce post-migration problems and provide support for refugees and asylum seekers.

Keywords: asylum seekers; mental health problems; post-migration problems; post-traumatic stress disorder; refugees; social risk factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (25)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:57:y:2011:i:2:p:107-119

DOI: 10.1177/0020764009105699

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