Civil Society Organizations as Social Networks and Mental Health Support for Migrants: A Case Study Of Lund, Sweden

Abstract

Prior research acknowledges that the prevalence of mental health problems is higher among immigrants than the native-born population and that the stress migrants experience at the place of destination can negatively impact integration. Since the beginning of the European so-called ‘refugee crisis’ in 2015, Sweden has experienced an increase of mixed migration flows, which has indicated a rising demand from the host country to support the various categories of migrants’ needs. In addition to the national, regional and local authorities adapting to the situation, parts of the Swedish civil society adjusted their projects to increasingly support newly arrived migrants. By conducting a qualitative study with key informants from civil society organizations to obtain knowledge from the host society’s perspective, as well as immigrant’s describing their own situations in the migration process, this study gives a profound understanding of the problem. The model of resettlement process and refugee mental health will provide guidance to understand post migration stressors and potential mental health difficulties, and the social network theory further guides the analysis to comprehend what role social networks and social capital have in facilitating the migration process, with particular focus on the psychological aspects. This study argues that the civil society at the place of destination can provide opportunities for migrants to access social capital and resources, and it is evident that the local civil society organizations’ projects help to reduce the most common post migration stressors. Therefore, they also decrease the risks of mental health difficulties to arise, and further improve the integration process. Despite insufficient tools and resources, the civil society organizations fill the social void that is not covered by authorities, and particularly provide support for the most vulnerable migrants. The organizations function as mediators between the migrants and the host society, where networks can be created and maintained, and therefore lower the psychological costs in the migration process.