Between Storms and Safe Places: A Photovoice Study of Persons with Refugee Experiences Living in Norway

Between Storms and Safe Places: A Photovoice Study of Persons with Refugee Experiences Living in Norway | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Between Storms and Safe Places: A Photovoice Study of Persons with Refugee Experiences Living in Norway Hüseyin Emlik, Maria Nordheim Alme, Rolf Vårdal, Egil Kaberuka-Nielsen, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9403056/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 10 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Global migration is increasing, and forcibly displaced people in particular face complex and cumulative challenges across the pre‑migration, migration, and post‑migration phases that affect their long term health and wellbeing. Exposure to trauma, precarious migration routes, and post‑settlement stressors intersect with social determinants such as inclusion in social and community networks, access to resources, employment, education, housing, health services, and participation in socio-economic and cultural life. Understanding refugee health requires attention to lived experiences and the broader social contexts shaping everyday life in host countries. The aim of this study is therefore to gain understanding of factors influencing health and wellbeing of a diverse group of refugees settled in Norway. Methods This participatory research study was conducted using photovoice. Participants took pictures related to the topics of identity, safe place, storms in one’s life, and future aspirations. Transcribed narratives of the photos were analysed using Braun and Clarks thematic analysis. Results Through the analysis two main themes were developed. The first theme Weaving the stories of self and belonging highlights how the participants understand, perceive, construct and express themselves in the Norwegian society. The theme describes sorrow, hardship and changing identities, but also the value of participation and of being of value in the society. The second theme Navigating through challenges and changes , sheds light on the participants coping mechanisms, their hopes for the future, resilience and how they find sanctuary, particularly in the nature and in abstract spaces. Conclusions Resilience is a dynamic and socially embedded process, shaped by personal coping strategies, social networks and broader social conditions. Recognizing culture, nature, and meaningful participation as important protective factors, the study challenges the deficit-focused narratives and underscores the value of strength-based, person-centred, and inclusive approaches to support good health and well-being for forcibly displaced persons. Trial registration Not applicable. photovoice refugee identity health well-being participation Full Text Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 04 May, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 01 May, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 30 Apr, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 30 Apr, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 30 Apr, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 29 Apr, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 17 Apr, 2026 Editor invited by journal 16 Apr, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 16 Apr, 2026 First submitted to journal 16 Apr, 2026 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-9403056","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":634445068,"identity":"da3b254d-8086-4ecd-a102-1f5b3086cd8b","order_by":0,"name":"Hüseyin Emlik","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA3klEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACAwTJ3HCwoeIAAx8JWhiBWs4cYGAjTgsDRAtjYxsRWswl0h8+5im4w8AvdrDx4Mx5dxLbGHgPPsCnxXJGjrExj8EzBsnZiQ0HN257BtTCl2yAT4vBjRw2aR6DwwwGt4FaHm47bMzGwGMmgV9L+vPfIC32YC1ziNKSYMYMtkUa5LCGw3KEtZx5Yyw5x+AwjwTIlhnHgFqYeYzx++V4+sMPb/4cluOfnXz4Y0/NYR5+9h7DB/i0gAATDwMDD4LLTEg9EDD+IELRKBgFo2AUjGAAANo9TLDwYBRbAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Western Norway University of Applied Sciences","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hüseyin","middleName":"","lastName":"Emlik","suffix":""},{"id":634445069,"identity":"3cde9613-e9b4-45c5-af25-539261bd9868","order_by":1,"name":"Maria Nordheim Alme","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Western Norway University of Applied Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Maria","middleName":"Nordheim","lastName":"Alme","suffix":""},{"id":634445070,"identity":"ad45198d-3fb8-4b51-831c-bc2e74f836ba","order_by":2,"name":"Rolf Vårdal","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Centre for Migration Health","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Rolf","middleName":"","lastName":"Vårdal","suffix":""},{"id":634445071,"identity":"1b507aa4-94db-4663-a476-efc156df7138","order_by":3,"name":"Egil Kaberuka-Nielsen","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Centre for Migration Health","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Egil","middleName":"","lastName":"Kaberuka-Nielsen","suffix":""},{"id":634445072,"identity":"cd22a064-d614-4743-b955-8bce55631a8b","order_by":4,"name":"Djenana Jalovcic","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Western Norway University of Applied Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Djenana","middleName":"","lastName":"Jalovcic","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2026-04-13 11:08:45","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9403056/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9403056/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":108805958,"identity":"7bdc2320-659f-453c-a83c-d410d8611827","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-08 15:27:17","extension":"pdf","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":495309,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Emlik13042026BetweenStormsandSafePlacesAPhotovoiceStudyofPersonswithRefugeeExperiencesLivinginNorway.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9403056/v1_covered_fbd089a4-3396-40d8-a4e2-e644e2c8ab8e.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Between Storms and Safe Places: A Photovoice Study of Persons with Refugee Experiences Living in Norway","fulltext":[],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":false,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":true,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":true,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"pubh","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Public Health](http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/pubh/default.aspx","title":"BMC Public Health","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"photovoice, refugee, identity, health, well-being, participation","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9403056/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9403056/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eGlobal migration is increasing, and forcibly displaced people in particular face complex and cumulative challenges across the pre‑migration, migration, and post‑migration phases that affect their long term health and wellbeing. Exposure to trauma, precarious migration routes, and post‑settlement stressors intersect with social determinants such as inclusion in social and community networks, access to resources, employment, education, housing, health services, and participation in socio-economic and cultural life. Understanding refugee health requires attention to lived experiences and the broader social contexts shaping everyday life in host countries. The aim of this study is therefore to gain understanding of factors influencing health and wellbeing of a diverse group of refugees settled in Norway.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis participatory research study was conducted using photovoice. Participants took pictures related to the topics of identity, safe place, storms in one\u0026rsquo;s life, and future aspirations. Transcribed narratives of the photos were analysed using Braun and Clarks thematic analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThrough the analysis two main themes were developed. The first theme \u003cem\u003eWeaving the stories of self and belonging\u003c/em\u003e highlights how the participants understand, perceive, construct and express themselves in the Norwegian society. The theme describes sorrow, hardship and changing identities, but also the value of participation and of being of value in the society. The second theme \u003cem\u003eNavigating through challenges and changes\u003c/em\u003e, sheds light on the participants coping mechanisms, their hopes for the future, resilience and how they find sanctuary, particularly in the nature and in abstract spaces.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusions\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eResilience is a dynamic and socially embedded process, shaped by personal coping strategies, social networks and broader social conditions. Recognizing culture, nature, and meaningful participation as important protective factors, the study challenges the deficit-focused narratives and underscores the value of strength-based, person-centred, and inclusive approaches to support good health and well-being for forcibly displaced persons.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTrial registration\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Between Storms and Safe Places: A Photovoice Study of Persons with Refugee Experiences Living in Norway","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-05-07 16:37:14","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9403056/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"42299842657928833652380945775674635985","date":"2026-05-05T01:34:53+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"160926282566214558724014964885959753625","date":"2026-05-01T22:34:34+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"109100173785745677193113711673520410160","date":"2026-05-01T02:30:00+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"2295226015415631201596241870827290673","date":"2026-05-01T00:14:21+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"324776805500818848653176640041570662397","date":"2026-04-30T05:27:02+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-04-29T22:29:09+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-04-17T16:49:14+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-04-16T14:56:01+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-04-16T08:02:25+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Public Health","date":"2026-04-16T06:37:41+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"pubh","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Public Health](http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/pubh/default.aspx","title":"BMC Public Health","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"ac31b699-c37e-4e3f-99be-7f8034833bd4","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 7th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"42299842657928833652380945775674635985","date":"2026-05-05T01:34:53+00:00","index":39,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"160926282566214558724014964885959753625","date":"2026-05-01T22:34:34+00:00","index":37,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"109100173785745677193113711673520410160","date":"2026-05-01T02:30:00+00:00","index":36,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"2295226015415631201596241870827290673","date":"2026-05-01T00:14:21+00:00","index":35,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"324776805500818848653176640041570662397","date":"2026-04-30T05:27:02+00:00","index":33,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"10","date":"2026-04-29T22:29:09+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-05-07T16:37:14+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-05-07 16:37:14","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-9403056","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-9403056","identity":"rs-9403056","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}