Understanding the Impact of the Refugee Process Among Kurdish Refugees in Finland Based on the Life Story Approach

Zibaei, Afrouz (2024) Understanding the Impact of the Refugee Process Among Kurdish Refugees in Finland Based on the Life Story Approach. Masters by Research thesis (MPhil), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

Kurdish refugees who have fled to European countries have often experienced violence and persecution and have had their human rights ignored in their home countries, thereby increasing their vulnerability to mental health challenges. This study examines the experiences of Kurdish refugees who have migrated to Finland and explores the impact on them of the refugee process. Qualitative life story interviews with fifteen Kurdish refugee men and women who live in Finland were used to investigate issues related to the refugee process placing the life story of Kurdish refugees at the heart of the study. Interviews were analysed using the Listening Guide (LG) including an analytical step called ‘Letting Stories Speak’ which was used to listen to the challenges and experiences of the participants. From this process two narratives related to these challenges and experiences were identified and discussed: 1) acculturation and 2) mental health during the refugee process. The findings are linked particularly to the participants' successful future lives in Finland.