Review: The consequences of migration and displacement for mental health: A qualitative study of river nomadic communities — R2/PR14
Year: 2026
Type: peer-review
Abstract: This study explores the psychosocial consequences of recurrent environmental displacement among river-nomadic (Bede) communities in Bangladesh, emphasizing how cyclical mobility, ecological degradation, and social marginalization shape mental health and resilience. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted, analyzing twelve in-depth interviews and one focus group discussion from three Jamuna River settlements (2025 monsoon season) via NVivo 14. We identified six themes: income-driven relocation, environmental hazards as triggers, cumulative physical and emotional tolls, negotiation/reputation as safety mechanisms, culturally rooted coping, and aspirations for stability. Participants described chronic uncertainty alongside strong communal solidarity and faith-based coping. Findings highlight that displacement among river nomads is a continuous, multifaceted psychosocial exposure rather than an isolated event. Sustainable interventions should integrate mobile, community-based mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services with environmentally informed livelihood programs and inclusive governance. This research contributes empirical evidence to the discourse on climate-related migration, emphasizing the need for culturally grounded, mobility-sensitive approaches for marginalized riverine populations.
Topic: Migration, Health and Trauma
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7164352170
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