An exploration of refugees, post traumatic stress disorder and quality of life

Section A presents a literature review which aims to consolidate the theoretical and empirical psychological research regarding refugees’ post-migration, to clarify and further understand their psychological experiences and needs. The literature search yielded papers which are divided into four sections: refugees and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); refugees, complicated grief and cultural bereavement; refugees, resettlement and acculturation; and refugees and Quality of Life (QoL). The review highlights key findings and areas requiring further exploration.
Section B reports an exploratory narrative study which aims to explore the role of QoL in the narratives of refugees with a diagnosis of PTSD. Episodic semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven refugees (5 males, 2 females), and analysed using narrative thematic, structural and performance analysis. The results illustrated containing and consistent support was important in progressing the transition from suffering during asylum-seeking to a refugee with hope, and improved QoL and psychological health. The results are applied to theory and research, and limitations of the study are discussed.