Receiving asylum seekers: Risks and resources of professionals

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Professionals in refugee and asylum seeker services face increasing physical and emotional strain.
• The challenges in managing diverse needs contribute to potential malaise among staff.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for supporting professionals in this sector.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the factors contributing to professional well-being and fatigue.
• To identify resources and stressors impacting professionals working with refugees and asylum seekers.
• To describe the different conditions of professionals in this field.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study was conducted in Northern Italy.
• Eight focus groups were held with multi-professional teams in refugee centers.
• A total of 28 professionals (16 males, 12 females) participated.

Main Results:

• Three distinct professional profiles were identified: Fatigued, Idealizing, and Engaged.
• The 'Fatigued' profile indicates significant burnout and distress.
• The 'Idealizing' profile shows high motivation but potential for disillusionment.
• The 'Engaged' profile represents a balanced and sustainable approach to the work.

Conclusions:

• The experiences of professionals working with refugees and asylum seekers vary significantly.
• Identifying these professional profiles can inform targeted support strategies.
• Promoting well-being among these professionals is essential for sustained service delivery.