Gillespie, Alex and Peltzer, Karl and MacLachlan, Malcolm (2000) Returning refugees: Psychosocial problems and mediators of mental health among Malawian returnees. Journal of Mental Health, 9 (2). pp. 165-178. ISSN 0963-8237

Preview

Download (293kB) | Preview

Abstract

The psychosocial problems and mediators of mental health were investigated in an adult sample of 74 Malawian returnees. A semi-structured interview indicated a number of specific problems facing the returnees, including reclaiming land, discrimination and disappointed expectations. A demographic questionnaire, the Coping Strategy Indicator, the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, and the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale were used to identify potential mediating factors on mental health as measured by the Self Reporting Questionnaire and number of visits to a doctor/healer in the last year. Stepwise Regression analysis revealed that number of trauma events experienced, generalised self-efficacy and gender were significant predictors of mental health. However, there was no significant relationship between the measures of coping strategies and mental health. These results are discussed in relation to theories of stress, learned helplessness, and the possibility of facilitating returnee reintegration. The importance of contextualising the aims and instruments of research is emphasised.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Returning refugees; Psychosocial problems; mediators; mental health; Malawian returnees;
Academic Unit:	Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
Item ID:	16553
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/09638230050009168
Depositing User:	Malcolm MacLachlan
Date Deposited:	20 Sep 2022 14:57
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Mental Health
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

Repository Staff Only(login required)

Item control page

Downloads

Origin of downloads