Spiritual needs and life satisfaction of refugees in Bavaria

Abstract

Preservation of life satisfaction in the face of adverse life conditions such as forced migration is of importance for psychosocial adaptation and functioning. We addressed in this study how spiritual needs relate to refugees' life satisfaction. Based on previous research, a moderator model was proposed with the refugees' home countries as a moderator variable. In a cross-sectional design, 682 refugees coming from different countries to Bavaria completed a paper-based questionnaire. Their life satisfaction reduced and their spiritual needs were high. Refugees' home countries moderated the relationship between spiritual needs and life satisfaction. In line with previous findings, a positive association between spiritual needs and life satisfaction for refugees from Maghreb states and Mashreq countries could be revealed, yet no respective association was found for refugees from other African countries and Afghanistan. Findings indicate an important role of spiritual needs for refugees' well-being, although cultural specifics need to be considered in research and practice.