The lived experiences of Syrian Forced Migrants in the United Kingdom and the Implications for Clinical Interventions

The Syrian conflict, which broke out in 2011, has led to a rise in the number of Syrians seeking refuge in the United Kingdom (Karyotis et al., 2021). At the time of this study, approximately 20,000 Syrians have been resettled under Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (UK Parliament, 2019) and a further, 21,168 Syrians have been granted refugee status between (Migration Observatory, 2022). A review of the existing psychological literature shows that there has been scholarly interest in Syrian migrants (Tinghog et al., 2017; Cantekin & Gencoz, 2017), but very few of these studies are concerned with understanding Syrians’ perceptions and interpretations of their resettlement experiences. In light of this identified gap, the present study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of six forced Syrian migrants in the UK and their coping methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant and transcribed. Transcripts were then analysed using Smith et al.’s (2019) a step-by-step guide to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four superordinate themes emerged through the analytical process: (1) Thrown in the deep end: the initial changes and challenges of being in the UK, (2) Tensions with identity and self- construal, (3) The ongoing search for belonging: facets of a home, and (4) Means of coping. These findings have been contextualised within the existing literature and their implications for clinical practice and policy have been discussed. Finally, the limitations of the current study and subsequent recommendations for future research have been proposed.