The experiences of young Somali adults with visible facial differences

Oliveira Costa, Bruna

Abstract

Background: The term visible difference refers to an appearance that is considered different to the societal ‘norm’, including skin conditions and scars. The psychosocial impact of living with a visible difference is well-documented in the literature, yet the experiences of ethnic minority groups are largely unknown. A limited amount of visible difference research, and further health research, indicates that these groups experience poorer outcomes. Specifically in the United Kingdom (UK)-context, Somalis constitute one of the largest diaspora groups, and several socioeconomic indicators note increased disadvantage within this community, compared to other groups. A small number of studies pertain to appearance among Somalis, yet no research specifically on visible difference is available. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the experiences of a group of young Somali adults living in the UK with a visible difference.

Method: A critical realist and contextualist theoretical lens was applied to this research. Remote semi-structured interviews were carried out on Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Public Involvement with relevant stakeholders and community representatives informed and guided the design of this project. Eight participants took part, five men and three women, varying in age from 19 to 28 years (mean = 23.5). Visible differences included congenital conditions (n = 2), skin conditions (n = 2), and acquired facial scarring (n = 4).

Results: RTA identified three themes: Stigmatised differences; Being ‘other’; and Coping in private. Stigmatised differences related to participants’ accounts about the Somali community’s negative beliefs about the causes of visible differences, and the social and personal consequences these can have for Somalis who are personally affected. Here, participants also advocated for greater community
awareness and education on this issue. Being ‘other’ relates to values, tied closely to culture, which participants drew on when conceptualising their lived experience. The data highlighted tensions for participants who live in a foreign society, yet still hold on to more traditional values, including those related to gender and healthcare. Coping in private related to coping mechanisms, and a preference for coping independently. If looking beyond the self for support, participants reported relying on family and friends, and dismissed the need for, or benefit of, external supports. However, participants recognised and discussed the benefits of peer support and community involvement in support-related
efforts.

Conclusion: The findings of the current study highlight the experiences of young Somali adults with visible facial differences, a group that has historically been absent from the literature. These insights can inform future research with and support for this group. They particularly illustrate the need for an intersectional health psychology, which recognises how broader structural inequalities and
discriminations serve as barriers to health and wellbeing, and the value of applying this approach to research, clinical practice, intervention, education, training and policy-making.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 18, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 29, 2023
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10148579
• Award Date: Mar 29, 2023