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Distorted Time Perspective in Adolescent Afghan and Syrian Refugees Is Associated With Psychological Distress
Marco Walg1, Lara L Eder2, Alexandra Martin3
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, SANA-Klinikum Remscheid, Remscheid.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|June 17, 2020
Summary
Young refugees often experience psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study found that refugees with PTSD have a distorted time perspective, focusing on negative past events, which correlates with distress and anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Refugee Mental Health
Background:
- Young refugees face elevated risks for mental health disorders, especially posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- PTSD is characterized by an altered time perspective, marked by a focus on negative past experiences and diminished attention to positive events or the future.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time perspectives and psychological distress in adolescent refugees.
- To explore the relationship between time perspective and mental health outcomes in this population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory to assess time perspectives.
- Examined 30 adolescent refugees from Syria and Afghanistan residing in Germany.
Main Results:
- Refugees displayed a distorted time perspective, with a significant orientation toward the negative past and low orientation toward the positive past and future.
- A strong negative past orientation correlated with increased general psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and depression.
- A low future orientation was linked to elevated anxiety levels.
Conclusions:
- Time perspective distortions are prevalent in adolescent refugees and associated with psychological distress.
- Considering time perspective and related beliefs may enhance therapeutic interventions for refugees experiencing trauma-related disorders.
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