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Mental Wellbeing and Social Resilience of Eritrean Refugees Living in Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Temesghen Gebresilassie

    (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Claudia Beiersmann

    (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Sandra Ziegler

    (Section for Health Equity Studies & Migration, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Verena Keck

    (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Yonas Semere Kidane

    (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Albrecht Jahn

    (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Janine Benson-Martin

    (Gesundheitsamt Enzkreis, The Public Health Office Enzkreis, 75177 Pforzheim, Germany)

Abstract

Mental health and social resilience play a significant role in refugees’ adaptation during the resettlement process in the host country. Maintaining good mental wellbeing helps the refugees to respond to stressful experiences with healthy life choices. This study aimed to explore the mental wellbeing and social resilience of Eritrean refugees living in Germany and to identify social conditions and enablers to foster adaptation. This study employs a qualitative approach with a semi-structured, in-depth interview data collection method. Informants were identified among mostly young adult refugees living in Heidelberg, Germany, with a migration history of 3–6 years. In total, 15 informants were recruited through snowball sampling. Data were sorted and analyzed using the five pillars of the Adaptation and Development after Persecution and Trauma (ADAPT) model. The findings suggest that Eritrean refugees experienced psychological distress after resettlement in Germany; however, with time, their mental health improved. The study revealed conditions that were experienced as hindrances, as well as ones that were considered to be resources of positive mental wellbeing and social resilience for resettled refugees. Resettlement challenges described by the participants were the language barrier, discrimination, unemployment, insecure residence status, loss of family and friends, conflict within the diaspora community, and isolation. The main sources of mental wellbeing and social resilience include the feeling of being welcomed by local communities, access to social services, adopting new relationships, and educational opportunities. These experiences encouraged refugees to have a favorable view of their lives and futures and were also found to facilitate better integration and adaptation. Understanding refugee mental wellbeing and social resilience requires a multidimensional perspective. Eritrean refugees living in Germany have experienced and are still experiencing resettlement challenges, such as, for example, loss of family and friends, negative perception of the German system, loss of past achievements, or unemployment. However, they have developed adaptive and resilience mechanisms, as well, such as seeing an opportunity for a better life, adopting new roles, and accepting Germany as a “second home”. In addressing those issues reported by the refugees as hindrances, these could be turned into sources of mental wellbeing and resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Temesghen Gebresilassie & Claudia Beiersmann & Sandra Ziegler & Verena Keck & Yonas Semere Kidane & Albrecht Jahn & Janine Benson-Martin, 2022. "Mental Wellbeing and Social Resilience of Eritrean Refugees Living in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-16, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:11099-:d:906747
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Walther, Lena & Kröger, Hannes & Tibubos, Ana Nanette & Ta, Thi Minh Tam & von Scheve, Christian & Schupp, Jürgen & Hahn, Eric & Bajbouj, Malek, 2020. "Psychological distress among refugees in Germany: a cross-sectional analysis of individual and contextual risk factors and potential consequences for integration using a nationally representative surv," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 10(8).
    2. Walther, Lena & Fuchs, Lukas M. & Schupp, Jürgen & Scheve, Christian von, 2020. "Living Conditions and the Mental Health and Well-being of Refugees : Evidence from a Large-Scale German Survey," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 22, pages 903-913.
    3. Um, Mee Young & Chi, Iris & Kim, Hee Jin & Palinkas, Lawrence A. & Kim, Jae Yop, 2015. "Correlates of depressive symptoms among North Korean refugees adapting to South Korean society: The moderating role of perceived discrimination," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 107-113.
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    1. Wei Liu & Jingxuan Zhang & Long Qian, 2022. "Measuring Community Resilience and Its Determinants: Relocated Vulnerable Community in Western China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-20, December.

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