Objectives: Forced migration and trauma significantly shape the lives of refugees and asylum seekers, often restricting their ability to engage meaningfully in community life. Global resettlement efforts are increasingly thwarted by systemic barriers, limiting access to permanent legal residence, employment, social networks, and culturally relevant support services. This study examined the intersection of trauma, forced displacement, and participation in occupational, social, and community activities, identifying structural barriers, adaptive strategies, and self-selection of personally meaningful occupations post-migration.
Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed to provide a comprehensive analysis. TheElectronic Activity Card Sort (E-ACS) for pre and post-migration and the Community Participation Indicator (CPI) as well as semi-structured interviews assessed participation patterns and perceived control among 20 refugees and asylum seekers representing seven countries. Focus groups with participants and 10service providers at the Heartland Alliance International Marjorie Kovler Center (MKC) contextualized the quantitative findings. Quantitative and thematic analysis identified key participation determinants.
Impact/Results: Findings revealed a dissonance between policy-driven integration frameworks and the lived realities of forcibly displaced individuals. While trauma, systemic exclusion, and policy restrictions constrained participation, personal agency, cultural adaptation, and community-driven support emerged as critical facilitators. The study generated actionable insights into trauma recovery and participation, informing innovative strategies for inclusion.
Conclusion/Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: This research, which highlights the inherent self-identified interests and skills of refugees and asylum seekers, is synchronous with trauma-informed participatory frameworks of occupational therapy practice. Findings highlight the need for community-based interventions and policies prioritizing self-determination and belonging, underpinning meaningful occupation and sustainable participation for forcibly displaced communities.