Superhero in a skirt: Psychological resilience of Ukrainian refugee women in Poland. A thematic analysis

Abstract

This study delves into the diverse experiences of Ukrainian refugee women in Poland amid the ongoing Russian war, employing a community-based participatory action research approach in collaboration with a Polish foundation aiding Ukrainian war refugees. With the practical aim of formulating recommendations for the third sector assisting refugees, 33 semi-structured interviews ( M = 40.29; SD = 11.41) were conducted between December 2022 and February 2023, seeking to understand and identify factors building and hindering psychological resilience. Our study unveiled the complexity and diversity of refugees' situations, revealing various coping strategies and distinct resources coexisting with psychological distress. Despite this diversity, certain common and often unmet needs (stability and safety, basic needs) were identified. The study also highlights refugees' agency, the need to prioritize current needs. The findings emphasize the significance of natural social support and varied coping strategies for fostering psychological resilience. Ongoing research is recommended to track the evolving well-being of Ukrainian refugee women in post-2022 Poland.