Posttraumatic growth experiences of refugees: A metasynthesis of qualitative studies

Abstract

Although forced displacement may lead to many adverse psychological problems, this experience may also result in positive psychological consequences. Given the increasing disturbance in countries, many people are forcibly displaced, a comprehensive understanding of the posttraumatic growth (PTG) experiences of refugees is warranted.In this study, we examined 12 primary studies exploring PTG among refugees using the qualitative metasynthesis method. Our analysis of the primary studies consisting of 319 adults revealed four themes: (a) improved psychologic functioning; (b) enhanced interpersonal relationships; (c) reconstruction of the meaning of life; and (d) positive future direction. These findings indicate that no matter how traumatic experiences are painful, people can hold on to life, build a new life, and grow from adversity.

Posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic stress – a network analysis among Syrian and Iraqi refugees

“…Reviewing qualitative studies, Şimşir Gökalp and Haktanir ( 2021 ) argued for the universality of the phenomenon of PTG among refugees from many cultural backgrounds and identified four central themes in how refugees perceived such growth: improved psychological functioning, enhanced interpersonal relationships, reconstruction of the meaning of life, and positive future direction. These themes correspond somewhat but not fully to the domains of PTG suggested by Tedeschi and Calhoun ( 2004 ).…”

A bright side of adversity? A systematic review on posttraumatic growth among refugees

“…This process facilitates the reappraisal which is indicated to mediate the positive role of identity salience and have impacts on higher PTG (Kira et al., 2018). Also, in the meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies conducted by Gökalp and Haktanir (2021), social relations are emphasised as a very important aspect to foster coping processes after a traumatic experience among refugees. Many refugees in the studies assessed by this synthesis have stressed the importance of the support of family, friends, and the community.…”

“…One important aspect of the PTG is the capacity for the reappraisal of the traumatic event, which makes it possible to attribute meaning to the experience and to also assimilate the experience. As shown in the meta‐synthesis by Gökalp and Haktanir (2021), refugees had to reevaluate and reconstruct meaning from the painful events they had endured before they could accept and grow from the experience. That would necessarily require some time and a fast resolution of distress would indicate that the assumptive world had not been sufficiently challenged.…”

“…This population has very specific characteristics that pose threats to developing this outcome such as the language and lack of social bonds in the host -957 country. Although previous reviews have been conducted and published on peer reviewed journals, they are not systematic ones (Chan et al, 2016;Gökalp & Haktanir, 2021). There is also a book chapter addressing the theme that applies the systematic review method including quantitative and qualitative studies published until May 2013 (Sims & Pooley, 2017).…”

Resilience, optimism and posttraumatic growth in first‐time mothers

“…Immigration is a life changing event that demands acculturation to the new country's physical and social environments, and acculturation can be challenging for immigrants who may lack the support systems possessed by nonimmigrants. Accordingly, a meta‐analysis of qualitative studies noted that immigrants felt satisfaction of being able to rely on themselves, successfully accepted new challenges (personal strength), and felt grateful when their life situation was positive (PTG‐appreciation of life) (Şimşir Gökalp & Haktanir, 2021). The dependent variables, PTG‐appreciation of life and PTG‐personal strength, also had a negative association with the independent variable of baby's temperament indicating the association between greater PTG in mothers and a less fussy baby's temperament.…”