Posttraumatic Growth in Displaced Syrians in the UK: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

This study aimed to explore posttraumatic growth (PTG) in displaced Syrians in the UK, using a mixed-methods approach. Fifty-four Syrian adults in the UK who left Syria as result of the war were recruited online to complete the PTG-Inventory. Five participants with high PTG scores were interviewed via Skype to explore their experiences of PTG. Interviews were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Results showed that displaced Syrians in the UK experience high levels of PTG. Major themes were valuing others more, pursuing a new career path, discovering inner strength, appreciation of life and detachment from it, and strengthened belief.

Keywords:

• Posttraumatic growth
• displaced
• Syrian
• UK
• interpretative phenomenological analysis

Acknowledgments

This research was financially supported by the University of Southampton and the Saiid Foundation. We thank participants who took time to participate in our study, especially those who agreed to be interviewed.

Disclosure statement

No conflict of interest to declare.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rayan Taher

Rayan Taher is an assistant psychologist at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She conducted this research as part of her dissertation in the MSc in Foundations of Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Southampton, which was funded by the Saiid Foundation Scholarship.

Thérèse Allan

Dr. Thérèse Allan is a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology. Her research interests include investigation of vicarious trauma, secondary traumatization, and posttraumatic growth in professionals working in challenging circumstances. Her research also investigates factors affecting the well-being of UK and international students pursuing higher education.