Social determinants of mental well-being: senses of powerlessness and empowerment among Romani in Ukraine
Mental Health and Social Inclusion
ISSN: 2042-8308
Article publication date: 14 December 2021
Issue publication date: 21 April 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore senses of powerlessness and empowerment among Romani in Ukraine in relation to such social circles as the extended family, the Romani local community and the whole Ukrainian society. The main research interest is focused on situations and factors that make people feel powerless or empowered.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted using a semi-structured interview method via telephone. Romani NGO experts approved the interview content. Trained Roma-facilitators were interviewers. Every interview was transcribed for further thematic analysis.
Findings
The most prominent empowerment factors for Romani people are located within their families and local communities, while the bigger society (Ukrainians themselves and Ukrainian public institutions) is a main source of powerlessness. At the same time, the rigid role of family and community expectations is seen as detrimental for both males and females.
Originality/value
The paper is original in terms of its topic (senses of powerlessness and empowerment among Romani in Ukraine as social determinants of mental well-being) and research strategy (engagement of Roma-facilitators as interviewers).
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The article is written on the results of the project “Ethnicity and Mental Health: Exploring Nonmedical Approaches to Mental Health for Roma Communities in Europe” fulfilled with the financial support of the Foundation Open Society Institute (FOSI), Grant Number OR 2019–64315). Project performers: Public Association “National Psychological Association” of Ukraine and International Charitable Organization” Roma Women’s Foundation “Chirikli”. The sponsor had no involvement in the study design, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data or the preparation of the article.Authors Contributions:VG, VK - preparation of manuscript and management of authors group; NG, ZK, VP - study design and data gathering; data analysis; VK - graphic development, conclusions preparation; VP - introduction preparation; VU, VG - discussion preparation; JO - study design, manuscript editing.Conflicts of Interest: All authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation
Gorbunova, V., Gusak, N., Klymchuk, V., Palii, V., Ustenko, V., Kondur, Z., Popenko, V. and Oates, J. (2022), "Social determinants of mental well-being: senses of powerlessness and empowerment among Romani in Ukraine", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 156-166. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-11-2021-0081
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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