A preliminary qualitative investigation into the relationship between pre-, peri- and post-migration factors/experiences and the psychological well-being of adolescent male Afghani asylum seekers living in the UK.

This qualitative study explores the influence of pre-, peri- and post-migration experiences on the psychological well-being of adolescent male Afghani asylum seekers living in the UK. It aims to provide a preliminary investigation of these experiences using the participants’ own voice in order to contribute towards addressing a gap in the research field and guide ongoing outreach, social and clinical work with this population, both locally, and nationally. Eight adolescent Afghani asylum seekers completed semi-structured interviews which were analysed using a thematic, template-driven approach. Findings were comparative with existing literature and theoretical underpinnings highlighting the ongoing and compounding nature of experiences throughout each stage of Bhugra and Jones’ (2001) model of migration. Although the psychosocial well-being of this group was shown to gradually deteriorate throughout the migration process, the study found that the course of well-being fluctuated in line with the respective loss or restoration of components of Witmer, Sweeney, and Myers’ (1998) wheel of wellness and Silove’s (1999) psychological sub-systems. Participants discussed a period of psychological well-being during their early arrival in the UK, before a period of psychological maladjustment thereafter coinciding with the UK’s asylum-seeking process. The study developed existing theoretical knowledge by uniquely applying different models to an under-researched, vulnerable and increasing population. Findings also generated useful practical and clinical implications and established a good rapport with the local Afghani community such that future research can continue with the suggestions made.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of East Anglia

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Button, Rebecca

Language dc:language

en