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Housing and wellbeing: Long-term precarious housing trajectories following humanitarian migration and resettlement

Author

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  • McShane, Sheenagh
  • Li, Ang
  • Block, Karen
  • Bentley, Rebecca

Abstract

Housing experiences upon settlement can shape refugee mental health and wellbeing; however, little is known of how housing precarity evolves as refugees establish their new lives and how it affects their wellbeing. We use longitudinal data (Building a New Life in Australia, n = 2,399) over five years (2013–18) to identify refugee housing trajectories in relation to housing precarity (measured by unaffordability, unsuitability, and insecurity) and mental wellbeing. Using multi-trajectory modelling, two distinct housing trajectories were identified: precariously (12 %) and well-housed (88 %). Precariously housed refugees reported significantly worse mental health (29 % higher risk in psychological distress, (95 %CI: 7 %, 51 %). Being female, financial hardship, low social support, and no support finding housing were risk factors for persistent precarious housing. Benchmarked against national data, the housing circumstances of refugees were less favorable than those of the lowest income quintile Australian population. Findings suggest the need for additional settlement support and access to secure housing to promote refugee wellbeing.

Suggested Citation

  • McShane, Sheenagh & Li, Ang & Block, Karen & Bentley, Rebecca, 2025. "Housing and wellbeing: Long-term precarious housing trajectories following humanitarian migration and resettlement," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 372(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:372:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625002722
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117943
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Josef Kohlbacher, 2020. "Frustrating Beginnings: How Social Ties Compensate Housing Integration Barriers for Afghan Refugees in Vienna," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 5(3), pages 127-137.
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    4. repec:plo:pmed00:1003337 is not listed on IDEAS
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    6. Anna Ziersch & Moira Walsh & Clemence Due & Emily Duivesteyn, 2017. "Exploring the Relationship between Housing and Health for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in South Australia: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-20, September.
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