Psychological and sociocultural adaptation of forced migrants in the Krasnodar region: problems and resources for overcoming them

Context and relevance. Forced migration leads to mental health problems, existential uncertainty, and high sensitivity to the attitudes of the host society. A study of forced migrants' adaptation in specific regions with a large number of migrants is particularly important. The Krasnodar Krai, a historically multicultural region, has become home to tens of thousands of people from conflict zones.
Objective. To study the psychological and sociocultural adaptation of forced migrants in the Krasnodar Krai.
Research Questions. What are the most common problems forced migrants face during their adaptation to a new sociocultural environment? What are the main strategies and resources forced migrants use to overcome difficulties in psychological and sociocultural adaptation?
Methods and Materials. The sample consisted of 25 forced migrants from the territories of the new constituent entities of the Russian Federation and from Ukraine. The study was conducted using a qualitative design (thematic data analysis) and semi-structured interviews.
Results. The need to overcome trauma is realized through involvement in helping practices and a focus on supporting others in similar situations. The cultural and linguistic proximity of migrants to the host society can increase feelings of psychological alienation. Migrants rebuild symbolic and social boundaries to preserve their identity in a context where external similarities mask profound differences in lived experience.
Conclusions. The adaptation of forced migrants is a contradictory process where post-traumatic stress coexists with an active search for new sources of stability in life.

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