Date

11-13-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Gilbert Franco

Keywords

Refugees, Morocco, mental health, distress, migration, interventions

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the mental health impacts of African refugee women traveling with children under the age of 18 during migration to Europe through Morocco, a key yet under examined transit country. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological case study was to examine the lived experiences of distress, coping, and barriers to mental health support. Twenty participants were recruited through local NGOs and community networks in Morocco, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns across participants’ narratives including hunger, homelessness, and exploitation intensifying psychological strain, particularly in relation to caregiving responsibilities for children. This study concludes that African refugee women and children experience cumulative and layered trauma but demonstrate remarkable adaptability through spiritual and communal resources. The findings have significant implications for policy, humanitarian practice, and mental health interventions. This underscores the urgent need for culturally sensitive, faith-informed, and community-driven support systems in transit contexts such as Morocco. This study provides valuable information for the voices of African refugee women, this dissertation contributes to the broader discourse on forced migration and mental health, offering evidence-based recommendations to strengthen protective factors and reduce barriers to care.

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