Participatory action research with asylum seekers and refugees experiencing stigma and discrimination: the experience from Scotland

Abstract

Using evidence from a participatory action research process with over 100 asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland, this study explores participants’ views on mental health problems, stigma and discrimination. The study found that migration can have adverse effects on mental health and well-being, due to racism and the asylum process, and this is worsened by stigma and discrimination. This stigma is influenced by both social and cultural causal factors, including fear, past trauma, isolation, racism and the stress of the asylum process coupled with negative cultural beliefs about mental health problems. The paper considers the international relevance of this approach and the value of a model grounded in principles of community development and grassroots action.

Keywords:

• asylum seekers
• refugees
• stigma
• participatory action research

Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge the help of Joe Brady, Refugee Integration Manager at the Scottish Refugee Council, in advising on the content of this paper. Acknowledgements are also due to the Sanctuary Group for supporting the programme and fieldwork and to Lindsay Siebelt and Emilia Pietka for supporting the literature review. This programme and study was based upon the earlier Mosaics programme with settled ethnic minority communities, which informed this work.