Recovery in context
Mental health in relation to psychotrauma and postmigration stress among forced migrants
There is an increasing number of people forced to flee their home countries in search of safety. These forced migrants are at relatively high risk of developing psychopathology, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Common risk factors for psychopathology in this group are traumatic experiences and daily post-migration stressors.
Finding ways to overcome psychopathology related to traumatic experiences and everyday stressors plays a central role in the various chapters of this thesis. First, by examining the role of experienced daily stress in the treatment of PTSD and, second, by understanding the role of individual factors for psychological symptoms and their treatment. To increase knowledge on these issues, several quantitative surveys were conducted among five different samples of forced migrants.
Findings suggest that the role of psychological resources, such as post-traumatic cognitions, coping styles and self-efficacy, for the mental health of forced migrants are context-specific. For although all these factors affect the well-being of forced migrants, their impact varies. For instance, favourable coping styles at the start of treatment may not seem to be a requirement for complaint reduction. Meanwhile, perceived daily stress does not necessarily undermine recovery from PTSD.
It is evident that we need to optimise available PTSD treatments for forced migrants, and promote protective factors for their health. But in doing so, we must keep a keen eye on the context of their psychopathology and life circumstances.
Uitgever
ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre