A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Lay perceptions of mental health among Afghan forced migrants residing in Finland
Authors: Farahani, Hadi; Martikainen, Jari; Golamrej Eliasi, Laleh; Tavakol, Mohamed; Toikko, Timo
Publisher: Routledge
Publication year: 2024
Journal: Social Work in Mental Health
Journal name in source: Social Work in Mental Health
Volume: 22
Issue: 5
First page : 645
Last page: 674
ISSN: 1533-2985
eISSN: 1533-2993
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15332985.2024.2357357
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1080/15332985.2024.2357357
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/457046486
This study explores lay perceptions of mental health among Afghan forced migrants in Finland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants. Reflexive thematic analysis was used as the method of analysis. The analysis produced two main themes: external symptoms (changes in physical appearance and behavior) and internal symptoms (burdensome feelings and sensations). Participants rarely used explicit mental health terminology, preferring nuanced culture-specific, individual expressions, and indirect communication about stress and trauma. This study contributes to the understanding of Afghan forced migrants’ lay perceptions of mental health and calls for culturally-safe approaches in social work and mental health services for forced migrants.
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Funding information in the publication:
The work was supported by the Olvi-Säästiö [20210610]; Oskar Öflunds Stiftelse; VERA Centre for Russian and Border Studies [931826]; Itä-Suomen Yliopisto; Kuopio University Foundation.
