The Resettlement Journey: Understanding The Role of Social Connectedness on Well-being and Life Satisfaction among (Im)migrants and Refugees: A Systematic Review

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-024-02036-7 The Resettlement Journey: Understanding The Role of Social Connectedness on Well‑being and Life Satisfaction among (Im) migrants and Refugees: A Systematic Review Jingyeong Song1 · Jonathan Corcoran1 · Renee Zahnow1 Received: 23 April 2024 / Revised: 10 May 2024 / Accepted: 16 May 2024 © The Author(s) 2024 Abstract In the context of rising global migration and/or forced displacement, there is a pressing need to consider the well-being and life satisfaction of (im)migrants and refugees during resettlement. Research highlights the importance of social connectedness for (im)migrants and refugees during the resettlement phase. Yet, a critical gap remains in our understanding of the key characteristics through which social connections exert their influence on well-being and life satisfaction. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing international literature on social connectedness and its impact on the well-being and life satisfaction of (im)migrants and refugees in post-migration contexts. Our analysis of 43 studies finds that social connectedness, in the form of social support and social networks, is beneficial for well-being and life satisfaction during resettlement. In addition to social support from individual network ties, community engagement can also enhance well-being by facilitating a sense of belonging. All 43 studies focused on psychological well-being and 69.8% relied on cross-sectional data. The findings of this review emphasise the need for longitudinal studies and standardised measurement tools to capture the dynamic interplay between social connectedness and well-being across various domains (psychological, physical, general/subjective) in migrant populations. We draw on the findings to propose a new conceptual model of the dynamic association between social connectedness and well-being/life satisfaction that seeks to explore these relationships in future empirical studies. Keywords Social Connectedness · Well-Being · Life Satisfaction · Resettlement · Refugees · Systematic Review Introduction The global landscape of human movement has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades, with an increasing number of individuals residing in countries other than their birthplaces. In 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated that 281 million people, 3.6% of the global population, were international migrants [1]. Motivations for migration vary significantly. Some individuals voluntarily move to improved opportunities, while others are driven from their country of origin by conflict or * Renee Zahnow Jingyeong Song 1 School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia persecution. A significant portion of migration is driven by necessity. At the end of 2022, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimated that over 35.3 million people were forcibly displaced as refugees [2]. For individuals in this context, resettlement can be a challenging experience. (Im)migrants and refugees often experience lower levels of well-being and life satisfaction compared to native-born residents in their host countries, and refugees are recognised as one of the most vulnerable groups in our society in terms of risk for poor health [3–5] While navigating the challenges of resettlement, rebuilding social connections presents a significant yet often overlooked obstacle. The absence of close relationships and a sense of belonging can lead to increased stress, isolation, and physical health problems, that hinder the resettlement process [6, 7]. The significance of social connectedness for health and well-being is well-established in the literature [8]. Recently, studies have increasingly focused on the evidence of health impacts, societal trends in social implications for specific Vol.:(0123456789) Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities groups like the aging population, and the influence of major events like pandemics [9]. Research with refugee samples in the context of resettlement further underscores this crucial role of social connection for individual physical health and psychological well-being [10–12]. Recognising its importance for both health and well-being, studies emphasise the need to foster a sense of community and belonging for refugees during resettlement [13]. Studies also demonstrate the deleterious impact of weak or absent social connections during resettlement [11]. Wei et al. [12] find that feeling connected to both mainstream and ethnic communities is associated with lower chronic loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as higher self-esteem and life satisfaction. This suggests a dual protective effect of social connection, mitigating the negative impacts of isolation while fostering positive psychological well-being. Liao and Weng [14] further contribute to this understanding by highlighting that strong social connections are associated with increased social engagement, effective communication, and a positive outlook on life. Despite the importance of social connectedness for (im) migrants and refugees in promoting well-being and life satisfaction during the resettlement phase, a critical gap remains in our understanding of the specific mechanisms through which these connections exert their influence. This systematic review aims to address this gap by comprehensively synthesising the existing international literature on social connectedness and well-being among (im)migrants and refugees’ populations in post-migration contexts. By analysing the diverse types of social connections and their nuanced relationships with well-being and life satisfaction, this study seeks to contribute to a more robust understanding of the multifaceted role social connectedness plays in the lives of (im)migrant and refugee populations. The findings of this systematic review will have significant implications for the development and implementation of evidence-based social support programs tailored to the specific challenges associated with resettlement for refugees. Methods The study follows the guidelines and recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 [15]. Eligibility Criteria A set of inclusion and exclusion criteria was used. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1. Published peer-reviewed articles 2. Published in the English language 3. Focused on population groups: immigrants, migrants, and refugees 4. Focused on adults (defined as those aged 18 years and above) 5. Focused on empirical studies (e.g. quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods) Studies were excluded based on the following criteria: if the article was a narrative review, theory, or conceptual framework; or if it addressed specific topics such as COVID19, heart disease, HIV, or disasters (e.g. floods, tsunamis, or any type of natura (...truncated)