Problems after flight: understanding and comparing Syrians’ perspectives in the Middle East and Europe

Abstract

Background Syrian refugees and asylum seekers (SRAs) face multiple stressors after flight, which may vary due to different geographic, economic, cultural and socio-political contexts in the host countries. Past research has recognised the importance of participants’ own perspectives. The aims of this multi-country study were to identify and compare self-reported problems of SRAs between various settings. Methods A semi-structured client-generated outcome measurement was used to collect data among adult SRAs in Jordan (N = 61), Turkey (N = 46) and Switzerland (N = 57) between September 2018 and November 2019. Answers were analysed following thematic analysis. Results Over half of the participants reported practical problems with an emphasis on camp-related problems (Jordan), finances (Turkey), employment (Jordan and Switzerland) and government regulations (Switzerland), followed by psychological, and social issues. Conclusion This study highlights the impact of local contextual factors on wellbeing. The findings emphasise that planning preventative procedures and mental health care services for SRAs need to consider local challenges affecting the population in specific countries.

An exploratory study of embitterment in traumatized refugees

“…A similar pattern emerged between post-migration living difficulties and embitterment. This result is somewhat unexpected, considering the continuing adversities refugees frequently face in their host countries [ 26 , 74 ]—which is the opposite of what they had expected when they fled their country of origin. As with trauma exposure, it is possible that the sheer quantitative exposure to PMLD, as assessed in this study, is not relevant with regard to the emergence of embitterment, while the qualitative exposure to particular post-migration stressors, for instance in terms of rejected asylum claims, labour market restrictions, or discrimination may be.…”

Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Refugees and Displaced Populations: Is Enough Being Done?

“…Various groups have demonstrated feasibility and efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), 135 , 136 art therapy, 21 , 137–139 narrative theater, 140 and other methods—some even delivered by fellow community members—for addressing mental health problems in adults and youth within refugee camps. Importantly, one study of Syrian refugees indicated camp-related problems contributing to psychosocial stress and impaired well-being, 141 and therefore within-camp interventions may serve a dual purpose to address contextual factors influencing well-being, as well as to confer stress coping skills prior to resettlement. Scalable psychological interventions to reduce distress and improve functioning that can be delivered through smartphones or face-to-face by lay non-professionals 74 also have the opportunity for usage both within refugee camps and in host countries.…”

Effectiveness of a brief group behavioral intervention for common mental disorders in Syrian refugees in Jordan: A randomized controlled trial

“…It is important to test the capacity of gPM+ in refugees who are in camp settings because there can be specific stressors in refugee camps, as well as some limitations that may limit the extent to which refugees can use the skills taught in gPM+. For example, refugees in camps may have restricted movement, limited employment opportunities, and separation from family that can compound psychological difficulties and hamper the extent to which problem management strategies may be employed [ 25 – 27 ]. This trial also investigated the potential impact of gPM+ on refugees’ parenting behavior, and also how this may benefit their children’s mental health.…”