Statelessness, Trauma and Mental Well-being
Statelessness, Trauma and
Mental Well-being: Implication
for Practice, Research and
Advocacy
Ajwang’ Warria* and Victor Chikadzi**
Received 12 June 2022 / Accepted 03 November 2022 / Published 27 January 2023
Abstract
The issue of statelessness is inextricably linked to psychosocial wellness and is a
crucial mental health factor to consider in the holistic care, and protection of stateless
persons. There is a dearth of research and limited literature examining the mental
health implications for stateless persons and their exposure to multiple and ongoing
rights violations. This paper describes the systematic and systemic human rights
violations linked to statelessness and how these contribute to individual trauma and
stress — subsequently affecting well-being. The paper utilises a basic trauma lens
in understanding statelessness and presents a novel contribution to interventions
addressing statelessness. Findings from the study reveal statelessness-linked stressors.
Historic systematic human rights violations, traumatic events and situations, and
daily stressors be come mental health burdens and challenges for those experiencing
statelessness. Service providers working with stateless persons should be aware of
the impact of statelessness on mental health and should refer cases to mental health
and psychosocial practitioners who can provide services that reduce socio-emotional
distress while strengthening resilience and coping strategies. The findings emphasise
the promotion of stateless people’s psychosocial well-being — looking at both curative
and preventative strategies, toward the establishment of just and inclusive societies.
Keywords: rights violations, stressors, psychosocial wellness
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* University of Calgary, Canada. Corresponding author. ajwang.warria@ucalgary.ca
** University of Namibia, Namibia.
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