Perceptions of asylum seekers, refugees and professionals on receiving services: An exploratory study

Authors

  • Mattia Mazzarese Graduated University of Florence.
  • Elisa Guidi University of Florence & LabCom. Research and Action for Psychosocial well-being (spin-off).
  • Cristina Cecchini University of Florence & LabCom. Research and Action for Psychosocial well-being (spin-off)
  • Patrizia Meringolo University of Florence & LabCom. Research and Action for Psychosocial well-being (spin-off)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1285/i24212113v6i1p17

Keywords:

migrants, reception system, community-based interventions, social inclusion, qualitative research

Abstract

Social inclusion of asylum seekers and refugees in Western countries is an issue that requires great attention to understand the psychological aspects underlying their relationships with receiving communities and to plan suitable services for them. The proposed research explored the features of facilities for temporary reception (CASs) and of the System for the Protection of Asylum Seekers and Refugees (SPRAR) currently implemented in Tuscany (Italy). Semi-structured interviews were carried out to investigate asylum seekers’, refugees’ and professionals’ perceptions. Thematic analysis showed that the reception system appears to be characterised by both significant strengths and weaknesses: The system’s strengths consist of the peculiar features of the reception in Tuscany (small facilities in small towns with the involvement of local communities). Nevertheless, the time required to obtain asylum and the issues with local public services might produce weaknesses. The SPRAR is perceived as being more effective than CASs in promoting the integration of the hosted people and in increasing individual empowerment. Findings showed that receiving community members often have polarised attitudes and behaviours, divided between social support and exclusion and stigmatisation. This research might offer a contribution to the evaluation of the local reception system, highlighting some possible areas of improvement.

Author Biographies

Mattia Mazzarese, Graduated University of Florence.

He has taken a Master Degree with honours in Community Psychology at the School of Psychology in the University of Florence. He is actually carrying out an internship in the same University, at the Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology. His interests are migrants’ quality of life, migrations in Tuscany, social justice, inclusion and participatory methods in community-based research.

Elisa Guidi, University of Florence & LabCom. Research and Action for Psychosocial well-being (spin-off).

Psychologist and PhD. She is currently a lecturer in the School of Psychology of the University of Florence. She is Vice-President of the spin-off LabCom. She did an internship at the Council of Europe (Secretariat - Violence against Women Division - GREVIO) and she worked as temporary staff at the Council of Europe Education Department. Her interests are the design and implementation of community-based action-research and their evaluation and community impact processes, the violent radicalisation, the gender-based violence, and the promotion of equality, well-being, empowerment and resilience.

Cristina Cecchini, University of Florence & LabCom. Research and Action for Psychosocial well-being (spin-off)

Psychologist, PhD and member of LabCom. She is expert in “Community Empowerment and Qualitative methods” at the School of Psychology of the University of Florence. She was a Research fellow in the European Project PROVA, aimed to prevent youth violent radicalization in Europe. Her research interests are social marginalization, risk behaviors in adolescence and the community psychology approach.

Patrizia Meringolo, University of Florence & LabCom. Research and Action for Psychosocial well-being (spin-off)

Psychologist and Specialized in Systemic-relational Psychotherapy, she is Professor in Community Empowerment and Qualitative Methods in the School of Psychology of University of Florence. She was the Coordinator of the European Project PROVA. Her research concerns issues about social and community psychology, health promotion, gender differences, violent radicalisation, migrations, risky behavior in young people and substance use and misuse. She is expert in qualitative methods and in Participatory Action Research.

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Published

19-10-2019

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2020): Community Psychology in Global Perspective - Special Issue: Migrant resistance and acts of solidarity

Section

Special Thematic Section

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