The mental health of refugees is remarkably poorer than non-refugee populations in Denmark and globally. This is not only caused by traumatic events prior to or during the flee, but also by post-migration experiences and living conditions in the host country. These post-migration experiences involve housing situation, financial situation, communication problems, barriers to employment, separation from friends and family, lack of social support, and racism and discrimination.
Purpose
The research project explores the lived experiences of newly arrived refugees in the initial period after resettling in a Danish municipality. The project provides knowledge on the diverse needs of people from refugee backgrounds in terms of mental health and well-being. Moreover, the project examines the ways in which the Danish public system recognizes and approaches the mental health of newly arrived citizens, and how the citizens experience the system’s attempt to meet their needs. Understanding the lived experiences of people from refugee backgrounds is essential to offer appropriate services and strengthen the reception of refugees and reduce inequality in mental health.
Method
The project is an ethnographic study that will follow people from refugee backgrounds in Aalborg and Copenhagen over a period of one year applying methods of in-depth interviews and participant observations of their encounters with public service professionals. Moreover, I will conduct qualitative interviews with public service professionals involved in the reception, integration, and health assessment of refugees, i.e., healthcare professionals, professionals from the asylum system and municipal caseworkers, social workers and integration mentors.
Project period
1. november 2023 – 31. oktober 2026
Funding provider
The project is supported by Independent Research Fund Denmark. Grant ID: 10.46540/3099-00066B