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Terrorism in the country of origin is linked to deterioration in the mental health of refugees

Author

Listed:
  • Kim M. Sønderskov

    (Aarhus University
    Aarhus University)

  • Peter T. Dinesen

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Bertel T. Hansen

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Søren D. Østergaard

    (Aarhus University
    Aarhus University Hospital–Psychiatry)

  • Bolette Danckert

    (Aarhus University)

Abstract

Refugees flee their country of origin to escape threats to their existence. Yet, despite having left behind the immediate physical dangers in their country of origin, refugees may continue to experience negative psychological consequences of contemporary violence in that country because of their connection to it. Here, using longitudinal population data from Denmark, we show that refugees were substantially more likely to use antidepressants, and anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs in periods when their country of origin was more intensely afflicted by terrorism. The finding that contemporary terrorism in the home country is negatively associated with the mental health of refugees highlights the potential vulnerability of such groups and points to the need to identify the extended global consequences of terrorism.

Suggested Citation

  • Kim M. Sønderskov & Peter T. Dinesen & Bertel T. Hansen & Søren D. Østergaard & Bolette Danckert, 2021. "Terrorism in the country of origin is linked to deterioration in the mental health of refugees," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 5(11), pages 1555-1561, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:5:y:2021:i:11:d:10.1038_s41562-021-01123-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01123-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Bove, Vincenzo & Efthyvoulou, Georgios & Pickard, Harry, 2024. "Are the Effects of Terrorism Short-Lived?," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 54(2), pages 536-545, April.
    2. Frank van Tubergen1,2, & Yuliya Kosyakova & Agnieszka Kanas, 2022. "Conflict intensity in the region of birth increases religiosity among refugees," RF Berlin - CReAM Discussion Paper Series 2222, Rockwool Foundation Berlin (RF Berlin) - Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM).
    3. Jacopo Bassetto & Teresa Freitas Monteiro, 2024. "Immigrants’ Returns Intentions and Job Search Behavior When the Home Country Is Unsafe," CESifo Working Paper Series 10908, CESifo.

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