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Reasons for Mental Disorders and Coping Strategies of Female Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh - Perspectives of Humanitarian Aid Workers

Kern-Fehrenbach, David Bernhard LU (2021) MIDM19 20211
Department of Human Geography
LUMID International Master programme in applied International Development and Management
Abstract
This research intends to explore the mental health of female Rohingya refugees in
Bangladesh. Specifically, it analyzes reasons for mental disorders and how Rohingya women
cope, from the perspectives of humanitarian aid workers. Mental disorders are defined from a
universalist perspective and the analysis is guided by theoretical frameworks of Tay et. al
(2018) and Kleinman (1978). The research design is shaped by critical realist assumptions.
Qualitative online interviews with humanitarian aid workers were conducted to explore a
range of possible themes and sub-themes in response to the research questions and in light of
the theoretical frameworks.
Multiple aspects related to traumatic events, psychosocial effects of trauma and... (More)
This research intends to explore the mental health of female Rohingya refugees in
Bangladesh. Specifically, it analyzes reasons for mental disorders and how Rohingya women
cope, from the perspectives of humanitarian aid workers. Mental disorders are defined from a
universalist perspective and the analysis is guided by theoretical frameworks of Tay et. al
(2018) and Kleinman (1978). The research design is shaped by critical realist assumptions.
Qualitative online interviews with humanitarian aid workers were conducted to explore a
range of possible themes and sub-themes in response to the research questions and in light of
the theoretical frameworks.
Multiple aspects related to traumatic events, psychosocial effects of trauma and displacement,
vulnerability conditions and post-migration stressors are identified as possible reasons for
mental disorders of Rohingya women. Furthermore, different means of coping are discussed
within the popular, the folk and the professional spheres. Both theoretical frameworks are
principally considered useful, however, certain analytical categories have shortcomings.
Moreover, the research findings question if the applied definitions of mental disorders and the
concept of mental health capture Rohingya experiences accurately. Future research is
encouraged which resolves conceptual uncertainties, validates the generalizability of the
themes identified in this research and explores causal relationships between them. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Kern-Fehrenbach, David Bernhard LU
supervisor
organization
course
MIDM19 20211
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Mental Disorders, Mental Health, Rohingya, Rohingya Women, Cox’s Bazar, Southeast Asia, Refugees, Refugee Mental Health, Bangladesh, Humanitarian Aid, Humanitarian Response, Humanitarian Aid Workers, MHPSS, Coping, Critical Realism
language
English
id
9044145
date added to LUP
2021-06-21 10:28:45
date last changed
2021-06-21 10:28:45
@misc{9044145,
  abstract     = {{This research intends to explore the mental health of female Rohingya refugees in
Bangladesh. Specifically, it analyzes reasons for mental disorders and how Rohingya women
cope, from the perspectives of humanitarian aid workers. Mental disorders are defined from a
universalist perspective and the analysis is guided by theoretical frameworks of Tay et. al
(2018) and Kleinman (1978). The research design is shaped by critical realist assumptions.
Qualitative online interviews with humanitarian aid workers were conducted to explore a
range of possible themes and sub-themes in response to the research questions and in light of
the theoretical frameworks.
Multiple aspects related to traumatic events, psychosocial effects of trauma and displacement,
vulnerability conditions and post-migration stressors are identified as possible reasons for
mental disorders of Rohingya women. Furthermore, different means of coping are discussed
within the popular, the folk and the professional spheres. Both theoretical frameworks are
principally considered useful, however, certain analytical categories have shortcomings.
Moreover, the research findings question if the applied definitions of mental disorders and the
concept of mental health capture Rohingya experiences accurately. Future research is
encouraged which resolves conceptual uncertainties, validates the generalizability of the
themes identified in this research and explores causal relationships between them.}},
  author       = {{Kern-Fehrenbach, David Bernhard}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Reasons for Mental Disorders and Coping Strategies of Female Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh - Perspectives of Humanitarian Aid Workers}},
  year         = {{2021}},
}