Challenging future, challenging past: the relationship of social integration and psychological impairment in traumatized refugees

European Journal of Psychotraumatology

Ulrich Schnyder¹  Naser Morina¹  Matthis Schick¹  Bina Knöpfli²  Andre Zumwald³  Julia Müller⁴  Richard A. Bryant⁵  Angela Nickerson⁵ 

[1] Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland;Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland;Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland;Psychiatric Services Thurgau, Münsterlingen, Switzerland;School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia;

关键词: Integration;    mental health;    migration;    posttraumatic stress;    post-migration living difficulties;    PTSD;    refugees;   

DOI  :  10.3402/ejpt.v7.28057

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background: Refugees have been shown to present high prevalence rates of trauma-related mental disorders. Despite their psychological impairment, they are expected to meet high functional requirements in terms of social integration into, and financial independence from, the host society. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship of mental health problems, post-migration living difficulties (PMLD), and social integration in a sample of 104 refugees seeking treatment for severe posttraumatic stress and comorbid symptoms in two outpatient clinics in Switzerland. Results: Despite an average time of residence in Switzerland of over 10 years, participants showed poor integration and a high number of PMLD. Integration difficulties were closely associated with psychological symptoms, but not with socio-demographic parameters such as education or visa status. Conclusions: Psychological impairment in treatment-seeking traumatized refugees is associated with poor integration. To foster social integration, it is crucial to better understand and address the specific needs of this highly vulnerable population.

【 授权许可】

Unknown