The Mental Health Costs of Statelessness: A case study of Pakistani Bengali Adolescents and Young Adults

The need to belong is a fundamental human motivator, with strong connections to good mental health. Stateless individuals, numbering 15 million globally, fall on the margins and experience lack of belonging through lack of recognition by any nation or state as one of their own. As a result, evidence has pointed to poorer mental health outcomes for them. Yet, few existing studies have investigated this relationship. Using a multi-method approach through surveys and art-based workshops, I will explore the lived experiences of statelessness (including lack of belonging, discrimination, and documentation) on the mental health of adolescents and young-adults (aged 16-25) from the Pakistani Bengali community living in Pakistan and explore how different characteristics such as gender and occupation moderate their psychological wellbeing. Around 70-80% of this 3 million strong community face issues of citizenship and recognition by the state despite being in their 3rd and 4th generations. The research, co-produced with community members will help identify key areas of mental health need as well as coping strategies used. I will develop resources for clinicians working with such populations and an awareness campaign. Ultimately, my project will enhance understanding about the impact of marginalisation and lack of citizenship on mental health.