Loneliness among refugees in Germany - On the significance of flight, host country conditions and personality traits

Abstract Aim Previous studies on loneliness among refugees have focused in particular on refugee and host country conditions. The present study expands the state of research by taking into account selected personality traits and additional indicators relating to refugee and host country conditions. The aim is to analyse loneliness among refugees from a more holistic perspective. Methods The study is based on a secondary data analysis of the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees from 2016. The data set consists on the statements of 4,465 refugees surveyed. Results The statistical results indicate that almost one in three refugees feels lonely in Germany. Loneliness is statistically linked to certain personality traits, such as fear, control beliefs, and negative reciprocity, as well as to factors related to the flight and living conditions in the host country. Specifically, leaving the country of origin alone, not participating in counseling and language courses, feeling unwelcome, and living in shared accommodation are associated with higher levels of loneliness. Conclusions Individual and community approaches are necessary to combat the widespread loneliness among refugees. Individual approaches can give refugees prospects by empowering them to seek social contact. Community approaches, such as the expansion of meeting, counselling and language services, could create opportunities for refugees to establish social contacts.