Exploration of the conceptualisation of mental wellbeing in the Somali community of Birmingham

Barrie, Claire Louise (2017). Exploration of the conceptualisation of mental wellbeing in the Somali community of Birmingham. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

A systemic review and narrative synthesis of the literature on the associations between acculturation and mental health for migrants from the Horn of Africa to Europe. The review uses an integrative framework of acculturation and mental health to scaffold the research. Factors from pre-migration and during acculturation in the host culture all affect the mental health outcome of migrants. The empirical paper presents qualitative research which explores established female Somali migrants' conceptualisation of the term mental wellbeing. Twenty-two participants were interviewed and the transcripts were analysed using a combination of lnterpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and thematic analysis. The resulting super-ordinate themes were 'risks and rewards of belonging'; 'knowing when there is a problem'; 'drawing strength from outside'; 'knowing who you are and where you are going' and 'fluctuating movement to feeling at home'. The themes build on previous research with the Somali community and suggest the importance of belonging to a community and religion providing guidance and support. The process of migration and navigation of a culturally distinct society, creates erosion of old sources of support and means alternative service provision has to be made accessible to migrants.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):