Social Work in Health Care
Volume 54, Issue 8, 2015, Pages 738-757

Somali Refugees’ Perceptions of Mental Illness (Article)

Bettmann J.E.* , Penney D. , Clarkson Freeman P. , Lecy N.
  • a University of Utah College of Social Work, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
  • b University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
  • c University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • d University of Utah College of Social Work, Salt Lake City, UT, United States

Abstract

Nearly 13% of the U.S. population is comprised of foreign-born individuals, with Somalis constituting one of the largest resettled groups. Research suggests that, among Somali refugees, rates of mental illness are high. Yet research shows Somalis underutilize mental health services. Understanding their perceptions of mental illness and its cures may help practitioners to design more effective treatments for this population. Thus, this pilot study investigated Somali refugees’ perceptions of mental illness and its treatments. Using purposive sampling, this qualitative study interviewed 20 Somali refugees using a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative analysis yielded participants’ perceptions of mental illness through their descriptions of physical symptoms accompanying mental illness, the stigma of mental illness, causes of mental illness, medical and non-medical treatments for mental illness, spirit possession causing mental illness, and the Qur’an as treatment for mental illness. Such information may help practitioners in the United States approach Somali clients in the most culturally coherent manner. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Mental health Refugee mental health Somali refugee Mental illness

Index Keywords

Somalia Interviews as Topic male female cultural anthropology Humans refugee ethnology qualitative research Mental Disorders Stereotyping interview attitude to health psychology human adult Refugees Culture

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84942793049&doi=10.1080%2f00981389.2015.1046578&partnerID=40&md5=106875b78097723e0a8cb391ade8c241

DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2015.1046578
ISSN: 00981389
Cited by: 9
Original Language: English