Learning from refugees and asylum seekers: experiences of distressing suspicious thoughts and accessing mental health support

Whichelow, Jessie

Abstract

This portfolio has three parts: a systematic literature review, an empirical paper and appendices. This thesis aims to explore the experiences of psychological distress and accessing support for refugees and asylum seekers, from the perspectives of service users and staff who work with them.
Part one: Systematic Literature Review
Part one contains a systematic literature review, exploring the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers who access therapy, from the perspectives of service users and staff. A systematic review of five databases was conducted and ten papers were selected that met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis identified fifteen analytical themes, divided into supportive, hindering and neutral factors. Conclusions and clinical implications are discussed.
Part two: Empirical Paper
Part two contains a qualitative empirical study, exploring the experiences of staff working with refugees experiencing distressing suspicious thoughts. Seven staff members working with refugees experiencing distressing suspicious thoughts were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. These were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, and three superordinate themes were developed: working in broken systems; the social self, and self-identity and its transformation. These each contained three-four subthemes. Overall, this research highlights the critical role staff play in the systems of refugees experiencing distressing suspicious thoughts. The role of cultural, societal and community influences on this therapeutic relationship are considered.

Citation

Whichelow, J. (2022). Learning from refugees and asylum seekers: experiences of distressing suspicious thoughts and accessing mental health support. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4189001

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 31, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 31, 2023
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4189001
• Award Date: 2022-09