Exploring highly-educated refugees΄ subjective theories of their psychosocial experiences
Part of : Hellenic journal of psychology ; Vol.7, No.1, 2010, pages 69-97
Issue:
Pages:
69-97
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Abstract:
This study aimed to elicit the meanings refugees attach to their post-migrationpsychosocial experiences and to explore whether these are aligned with experts'conceptualisations of refugees' problems. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 15highly-educated refugees in the UK to elicit their subjective theories regarding experiencedstressors, resources activated, and psychological health. The participants used the notions ofstress, coping, and psychological health in all their richness and did not create necessarilynegative meanings. In contrast to stereotypes often implied in experts' theories, theparticipants did not emerge as "vulnerable" and "passive". In their subjective theories theytalked about problems but also how they tackled these. At the same time the resources andpsychological outcomes they discussed varied. The findings of the study suggest that expertsshould consider refugees' subjective theories when planning psychosocial interventions.
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Subject (LC):
Keywords:
migration, psychosocial health, refugees, subjective theories
Notes:
Περιέχει πίνακες και βιβλιογραφία, Special issue: Forced migration and social care
