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Discrimination, mental problems and social adaptation in young refugees
Edith Montgomery1, Anders Foldspang
1Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims, Borgergade 13, P.O. Box 2107, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark. em@rct.dk
European Journal of Public Health
|July 17, 2007
Summary
Discrimination negatively impacts young refugees' social adaptation and mental health. These factors are interconnected, suggesting a complex relationship requiring further investigation in refugee populations.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Mental Health Research
- Refugee Studies
Background:
- Limited empirical data exists on the interplay between discrimination, mental health, and social adaptation.
- Hypothesized links suggest mental health issues impede social adaptation and vice versa, with discrimination potentially mediating these relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations and pathways between discrimination, mental health problems, and social adaptation in young refugees.
- To enhance understanding of the complex interactions influencing refugee well-being.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing interviews with 131 young Middle Eastern refugees in Denmark.
- Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed for data analysis.
Main Results:
- A significant mutual association was found between discrimination, mental problems, and social adaptation, irrespective of gender.
- Discrimination was linked to internalizing behaviors, while improved social adaptation correlated with reduced discrimination and fewer internalizing/externalizing behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Perceived discrimination is associated with mental health issues and social adaptation challenges in young Middle Eastern refugees.
- Discrimination appears to trigger internalizing behaviors, but its effect on externalizing behaviors is unclear.
- The bidirectional relationship suggests a recursive interaction between mental health, discrimination, and social adaptation.
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