CONTEXTUAL FACTORS AFFECTING PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING AMONG SYRIAN REFUGEES IN TURKEY

There are a total of 6.3 million Syrian refugees, equal to almost one-third of world’s total refugee population. Refugees face significant mental and physical health issues, including depression posttraumatic stress disorder and infectious diseases. This paper is a literature review that integrates current knowledge on the psychosocial factors associated with mental and physical well-being among Syrian refugees in Turkey. It focuses on issues of social issues such as social integration, social isolation, social support; cultural issues such as linguistic and religious factors; and distal factors including immigration and economic policits in Turkey. Finally, suggestions for future directions in this area of work are provided.