Experiences of Tibetan Refugees in India during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lhamo Tso; Meenakshi Shukla

doi:10.25071/1920-7336.40877

Authors

Lhamo Tso Independent Researcher https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0939-913X
Meenakshi Shukla Department of Psychology, Magadh University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9447-5987

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/1920-7336.40877

Keywords:

Tibetan, refugee, COVID-19, perceived stress, resilience

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of 70 Tibetan refugees in India (28 male, 42 female; mean age = 30.90 years; SD = 8.11) during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of their stress, financial anxiety, perceived discrimination, dark future expectations, and resilience. Older, married, and working refugees experienced more problems but higher resilience. Female refugees reported more nervousness and stress than male refugees. Financial anxiety and dark future expectations predicted higher stress. Overall, the findings show low to moderate levels of mental health issues and high resilience among Tibetan refugees during the pandemic and highlight the importance of cultural beliefs and practices in maintaining good mental health and resilience.

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Author Biographies

Lhamo Tso, Independent Researcher

Dr. Lhamo Tso is an independent researcher who completed her Ph.D. in Social Work from Banaras Hindu University (India). The author may be contacted at abigbodhitree@gmail.com

Meenakshi Shukla, Department of Psychology, Magadh University

Dr. Meenakshi Shukla is an Assistant Professor in Psychology at Magadh University, Bodh Gaya (India). The author may be contacted at meenakshi_shukla@hotmail.com

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