Salutogenic and pathogenic factors among young adult refugees in Germany: An exploratory study

Abstract

Abstract In this cross-sectional study, we explored the association of salutogenic variables—resilience and quality of life (QOL)—with posttraumatic stress (PTS) and depressive symptoms of 55 refugees who came to Germany as minors from various disputed Middle East and Africa countries. Results revealed that 53 per cent of participants showed a clinically relevant level of PTS, and 32 per cent scored in the clinical range for depression. Levels of resilience and QOL were moderate. Regression models revealed that resilience was the only significant variable associated with PTS over and above traumatic events and demographic variables. Pre-migration traumatic events and QOL were found to be significant variables associated with depression. Quality of life was found to mediate the relation between resilience and depression. Pre- and peri-traumatic events were not associated with resilience or QOL. Post-migration stressors were negatively associated with resilience and QOL. These findings suggest that the impact of forced migration on the young adults’ adjustment should be investigated not only in terms of psychological symptoms, but also in terms of resilience and QOL. In addition, therapeutic interventions should focus not only on diminishing psychological difficulties, but also in helping these young refugees increase, build, and maintain resilience and QOL.