Att finna sitt sammanhang i det främmande

: En kvalitativ intervjustudie om känsla av sammanhang och anpassning i en ny social och kulturell kontext

Abstract

There are many reasons for moving, some people move of free will and personal choice. This relates to lifestyle migration; wealthy individuals moving abroad, seeking new life opportunities, which this study focused on. Migration and integration can affect the individual's sense of coherence (SOC) and change individuals' conditions for good health. The aim of this study was to investigate which factors were described as weakening or strengthening the experience of SOC; comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness, in a new cultural and social context for people who have lived outside their home country for more than six months.
The study was based on 10 qualitative interviews, conducted via Zoom or in person. All respondents were between 20-30 years old, living in Portugal or Spain. The interviews were processed through a qualitative content analysis using a deductive approach that resulted in five categories related to the dimensions of SOC.
The results showed that the individual's SOC was influenced by mental attitude and flexibility, knowledge of the local language, cultural differences, the reception of the local population and access to social networks. Bureaucratic procedures also influenced individuals' perception of their situation. These factors can both strengthen and weaken the individual's SOC.
The study has highlighted several factors relevant for individuals and society to reflect on, in order to facilitate and support the process of migration by creating conditions for a high level of SOC. Further investigation of these issues may be beneficial in understanding how the social phenomenon of migration interacts with public health.

Date of Award	2025-Jun
Original language	Swedish
Supervisor	Johanna Thulin (Supervisor) & Maria Nyholm (Examiner)