A Study of the Emotional and Psychological Well‐being of Refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya

This study explores the emotional problems affecting refugees in Kakuma refugee camp (northern Kenya). The freelisting technique was used to interview 52 community members and 32 ‘key informants’. Freelisting was found to be useful in this setting, and provided information which could assist with advocacy, programme planning and programme evaluation. The emotional problems most frequently identified were hopelessness, fear, sadness, anger/aggression and worry. Both current stressors and previous losses were said to affect emotional well‐being. While psychosocial interventions are important, programmes addressing refugees' practical needs (particularly safety and material needs) will therefore have a positive impact on psychosocial well‐being. These findings also suggest that some anti‐social behaviours which contribute to problems within and between communities in Kakuma are due in part to emotional problems; if so, addressing emotional problems would be a worthwhile use of resources.