What does a 'good life' mean to you?
The 'good life' and mental health issues in refugee communities
Mental health issues can be particularly prevalent among conflict affected populations. While humanitarian interventions often focus on the provision of basic needs such as food, shelter and security, emotional and social aspects can prevent refugees from having good mental and physical health. This research used Sen’s Capability Approach to explore ideas of ‘a good life’ among Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Uganda. The study identifies three key capabilities: (1) appearing in public without shame, (2) good personal and family relationships and (3) having peace, security, and community. Having a good appearance and being clean were highly valued by refugees and considered crucial to their self-esteem and ability to engage in economic and social activities linked to ‘a good life’.
Citation
Robinson, Jude, Anna Chiumento, Rosco Kasujja, Theoneste Rutayisire, and Ross White. "The ‘good life’, personal appearance, and mental health of Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Uganda." Social Science & Medicine 293 (2022): 114641.