Meanings of home and mental well-being among Sudanese refugees in Canada

Abstract

Objectives: This article examines family and social factors that affect refugee mental health during resettlement by presenting qualitative analysis of the concept of home and its functional and psychological meanings based on findings from research with Sudanese refugees in Canada.

Design: Data were collected in two successive multi-method, community-based studies between 2003 and 2007 with Sudanese refugee participants in Ontario and Alberta, Canada. The first study used survey methods with 220 participants in seven sites and the second, in-depth qualitative interviews with 30 community members in three sites.

Results: In the first study, economic hardship and family adaptation challenges were reported to affect Sudanese mental well-being. The second study explored cultural aspects of Sudanese family and community well-being in greater depth. Meanings of home emerged from data as a key concept linking social support, resettlement, and mental health. Findings highlight how the presence or absence of the social supports associated with home affect refugees' mental health during resettlement. The analysis focuses on four themes: emotional support; fulfilling social roles and expectations; problem solving and conflict resolution; and dignity and growth, as well as perceived impact on community mental health.

Conclusion: Qualities of home that Sudanese lack during resettlement points to critical gaps that must be filled by mental health and other service providers to promote positive refugee mental health in countries of resettlement.