The Unique Voice of Forcibly Displaced Youth: Resettlement, Societal Attitudes, and Mental Wellbeing
Tracks
Conference Centre Room 1
| Monday, March 28, 2022 |
| 3:52 PM - 4:12 PM |
Overview
Mrs Natasha Harding, University of Newcastle
Speaker
Mrs Natasha Harding
Phd Candidate
University Of Newcastle
The Unique Voice of Forcibly Displaced Youth: Resettlement, Societal Attitudes, and Mental Wellbeing
Abstract
As the number of people seeking refuge and asylum continues to increase globally, it is important to understand resettlement experiences as a way of improving future outcomes. As young people make up over half of the displaced population, it is imperative to seek their experiences and perspectives.
This presentation provides a brief overview of the unique challenges young people face throughout the refugee journey, from pre-migration to post-migration, the host-community attitudes that young people encounter and the potential impact of negative societal attitudes. Current research indicates that negative societal attitudes have a detrimental impact on young refugee’s wellbeing. However, the evidence is limited as this research topic is complex and under-studied.
To contribute to the evidence-base, qualitative methods are recommended due to their exploratory nature. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is presented as an appropriate method, and the strengths of IPA are highlighted. Methodological considerations in conducting mental health research with young refugees are also discussed. This includes reflections on sampling, recruitment, data collection, research engagement and participation.
3 key learnings:
• Improved awareness of the unique challenges that young refugees face
• An understanding of the mental health impacts of host-community attitudes
• The importance of qualitative methods in mental health research with young refugees.
This presentation provides a brief overview of the unique challenges young people face throughout the refugee journey, from pre-migration to post-migration, the host-community attitudes that young people encounter and the potential impact of negative societal attitudes. Current research indicates that negative societal attitudes have a detrimental impact on young refugee’s wellbeing. However, the evidence is limited as this research topic is complex and under-studied.
To contribute to the evidence-base, qualitative methods are recommended due to their exploratory nature. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is presented as an appropriate method, and the strengths of IPA are highlighted. Methodological considerations in conducting mental health research with young refugees are also discussed. This includes reflections on sampling, recruitment, data collection, research engagement and participation.
3 key learnings:
• Improved awareness of the unique challenges that young refugees face
• An understanding of the mental health impacts of host-community attitudes
• The importance of qualitative methods in mental health research with young refugees.
Biography
Natasha is a PhD Candidate in the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle. Her research uses qualitative methods (interpretative phenomenological analysis, IPA) to explore mental health and wellbeing with young people who have a background of forced displacement. Specifically, she is interested in the mental health impacts of societal attitudes towards refugees as depicted in media, social media, and political commentary. Natasha has a strong background working in the community mental health sector and more recently in public sector mental health services as well as independent consulting.
