Which living conditions were linked to refugees’ distress and life satisfaction?

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Refugees are at increased risk of mental health problems and low subjective well-being. Living circumstances in the host country are thought to play a vital role in shaping these outcomes, which are in turn considered prerequisites for successful integration.

Using a representative survey of 4,325 adult refugees who arrived in Germany between 2013 and 2016, researchers used linear regression models to investigate how living conditions, particularly those subject to integration policies, were associated with psychological distress and life satisfaction.

Uncertain legal status, separation from family and living in refugee housing facilities were associated with higher distress and lower life satisfaction. In contrast, employment, contact with members of the host society and better host-country language skills were associated with lower distress and higher life satisfaction. The authors say these associations should inform decisions in a highly contested policy area.