The effects of lack of occupation on the mental health of asylum seekers

Background: Ban Ki-Moon (2008) suggests that there is no health without mental health. The mental health of the asylum seeker population and other marginalised groups is a concern for health services globally. The aim of this... [ view full abstract ]

Background:

Ban Ki-Moon (2008) suggests that there is no health without mental health. The mental health of the asylum seeker population and other marginalised groups is a concern for health services globally. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lack of occupation on the mental health of asylum seekers.


Method:

A mixed methods methodology was used and Interview questions addressed respondent’s level of satisfaction with meaningful occupations. Data gathering tools included Occupational Circumstances Assessment Interview and Rating Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Beck’s Depression Inventory II.

Results:

Analysis verifies that this group experiences occupational deprivation. The participants reported feelings of frustration and helplessness and its contribution on them perceiving their mental health to be poor. Emotional stress associated with these experiences was significant.

Conclusion:

The participants that were interviewed felt they were living on the margins of a society that had given them protection and a safer society, but is preventing them from engaging with it at any level, but instead promoting marginalisation.

Application to Practice:

Occupational Therapy as a profession must strive to encourage the continual development of “emerging areas of practice”, and the occupational deprivation of marginalised groups is one such area. This study has highlighted environmental barriers and institutional restrictions as having effects on access to occupation over a prolonged period, and may promote occupational deprivation and difficulties with mental well-being.