European Journal of Psychotraumatology
Volume 7, 2016

Challenging future, challenging past: The relationship of social integration and psychological impairment in raumatized refugees (Article) (Open Access)

Schick M.* , Zumwald A. , Knopfli B. , Nickerson A. , Bryant R.A. , Schnyder U. , Muller J. , Morina N.
  • a Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • b University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, Outpatient Clinic for Victims of Torture and War, Swiss Red Cross, Bern, Switzerland
  • c Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
  • d School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  • e School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  • f Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • g Psychiatric Services Thurgau, Münsterlingen, Switzerland
  • h Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Abstract

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. © 2016 Matthis Schick et al.

Author Keywords

Migration Integration Mental health Refugees Post-migration living difficulties PTSD posttraumatic stress

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84970996969&doi=10.3402%2fejpt.v7.28057&partnerID=40&md5=7b303b8e3d4314a8667e1baef1f969eb
DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v7.28057
ISSN: 20008066
Cited by: 25
Original Language: English