Cluster 4- Case Studies in STPs: Existential Crises and Resilience

This cluster will contribute to an understanding of how the fear of cultural extinction, destruction and exclusion among vulnerable populations is expressed on an existential level. We will make use of the ADAPT model (The Adaptation and Development After Torture and Persecution), developed by D. Silove (2013). This complex model covers the essential life systems of safety, justice, interpersonal bonds and networks, role and identity, linking these to existential meaning. The following objectives will guide this cluster:

1. In a mixed method approach, using semi-structured interviews and surveys, we will study the experiences and level of existential fear among vulnerable populations.

2. Through a systematic classification of determinants and by the use of the ADAPT model, we will build a typology for individual and collective resilience on an existential level.

3. We will analyze the implications of these results for policy level, concerning health diagnostics and health care services as well as mental health issues.

4. We will compare similarities and differences across a selection of populations and contexts.

5. We will identify emic terms for the expression of existential fear, which may best link to Western concepts used in health care. We will use a combination of cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental designs as well as qualitative findings from previous Cluster results to map the trajectory of resilience behaviour and group processes that ensure collective awareness, shared emotional and rational responses to risk factors, and joint commitment to solving common problems. Sampling for the interviews covers six case studies (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Iraq, Turkey, and Sweden) and vulnerable populations relevant for each country. The number of interviews will reach approximately 20 individuals for each country, balanced by gender and the different populations. Sampling for the survey covers the same geographical areas and populations as above (n=500) and is following a representative random sampling frame. We will conduct an electronic survey, using companies like Prolific or similar. The survey covers the four items from the fear of cultural extinction instrument (Nickerson et al., 2009) and six items linking to Cluster 1, environmental fear, authority trust, economic problems, social issues, network availability, and political conflicts, resistance and creative adaptation.

Tasks:

1. Framework paper This task will elaborate on the central concepts to be used, prior research, and limitations, to set the framework for future research.

2. Create Guidelines. This task will develop the interview and survey contents, the ethical clearance, and the methodological framework for data gathering, data coding, and analysis.

3. Data Collection. As a first step we will do a literature review and look at the studies which are recently conducted with similar groups. Subsequently, we will conduct semi-structured interviews (each country n=10-15), which will also inform the survey items. Then, implement a representative electronic survey (each country n=500), with statistical results and analyses.

4. Database. Create a database of coded material for use in Cluster 5.

5. Thematic Reports. Write two thematic reports.

Leading

A.Önver Cetrez

Project coordinator, Uppsala University
onver.cetrez@teol.uu.se

Expertise in Psychology of religion, Cultural psychology, migration, Vulnurable immigrant groups, Youth and marginality