COMPLEX TRAUMAS AS EXPERIENCED BY REFUGEES

Frida Nilsson

Nilsson. F. COMPLEX TRAUMAS AS EXPERIENCED BY REFUGEES - A scoping review regarding Trauma, PTSD and subsequent treatment. Bachelor thesis in social work 15 hp.

Malmö University: Faculty of Health and Society, Department of Social Work 2023

ABSTRACT

This study will focus on refugees experiencing PTSD following complex traumas such as war, loss, sexual and emotional trauma, flight and persecution and then trauma from lack of integration in a new host country. The aim of the study is to highlight not only how PTSD after such experiences may present itself but also how it’s received both in a social context as well as by professionals within mental healthcare and care within social services. Received meaning, what kind of treatment and knowledge exists regarding refugees’ experiences of complex trauma, not only in a past tense but also alongside treatment and integration into a culture and social setting foreign to one's own.

The study is based on the theoretical standpoint that includes an intersectional perspective and attachment theory. Attachment theory pinpoints the importance of an individual's attachment patterns, its connection to people around, social context and culture throughout their life. The intersectional perspective puts variables such as race, gender, culture, heritage, age, sexuality etc. on the table and lets us know what impact that has on a person's life and mental state.

Keywords: Attachment theory, CBT, Complex trauma, Intersectionality, PTED, PTSD, Refugees, Repetitive trauma, Single trauma, Trauma, TIC, Trauma Informed Care.