Mental Health of Refugees Returning to Their Home Countries
Author Information
Author(s): Ulrike von Lersner, Ulrike Wiens, Thomas Elbert, Frank Neuner
Primary Institution: University of Konstanz
Hypothesis
What is the mental health status of returnees before the actual return who have been living in exile for an extended period?
Conclusion
Psychological strains among the study participants were very high, with many returning under pressure from immigration authorities and facing fears about their future.
Supporting Evidence
- 44% of returnees had psychiatric disorders compared to 78% of stayers.
- Two-thirds of participants felt their decision to return was influenced by immigration authorities.
- Children born and raised in Germany were a significant reason for staying.
Takeaway
Many refugees who lived in Germany for a long time are very stressed and worried about going back to their home countries, especially because they feel pressured to return.
Methodology
Interviews were conducted with 47 returnees and 53 stayers, assessing their mental health and living conditions using structured interviews and scales.
Potential Biases
Participants may have been influenced by external pressures to return, affecting the voluntariness of their decision.
Limitations
The sample size was relatively small and may not represent all returnees; some organizations did not refer clients due to concerns about data misuse.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 19 to 90, with an average age of 43; 50.5% were female, and they had lived in Germany for an average of 11.8 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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