Psychological Resilience in Flood-Affected Communities of Pakistan: Coping Strategies and Mental Health Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Refugees undergo traditional socio-economic and psychological strain which captures their resilience and wellbeing. The context from which these boundaries emerge, such as limited financial resources, social support networks, educational opportunities, and coping mechanisms are pertinent to their acculturation as well as their mental health. These factors are important when creating targeted interventions. Aim: This investigation seeks to outline a demographic profile detailing psychological distress, coping mechanisms, and barriers to education for refugees that stress the importance of family support, financial resources, and education in building resilience. Method: In Pakistan, a psychologist phenomenology approach was adopted to investigate coping experiences of a flood affecting community in eight provinces. There were focus group discussions that contained participants from each of the geography and culture of focus. 600 refugees participated through focus group probability sampling, which was equally divided across 5 provinces. Each province was further divided into two cities. Everyone was asked emotions, social, and cognitive coping strategies with 20 open-ended questions Restriction for risk of feeling stigmatized from using NVivo software to demographic resilience and mental health outcome concealed by ethical approval and informed consent. Results: Financial constraints (33.3%) and lack of infrastructure (25%) were identified as primary barriers to education. Psychological distress, including PTSD and anxiety, was rampant among people especially lacking in social support. Family support (41.7%) emerged as a prominent factor of resilience. Alongside religion, coping and other cognitive strategies were central for emotions regulation. Conclusion: it's important note the impact of education and mental health on financial wellbeing. Failing to tackle the interrelated nature will only perpetuate mental health issues that makes the integration process harder long term.