Schütz, Charlotte (2025) Navigating Integration - How Social Connection and Loneliness Shape the Psychological Well- Being of Ukrainian Newcomer Women in the Netherlands. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022, more than 120,000 Ukrainians have sought refuge in the Netherlands. The majority are women and children, many of whom face ongoing uncertainty about their future. This study examines how social connection and loneliness relate to the psychological well-being of Ukrainian newcomer women, as an indicator of their psychological integration. Drawing on survey data and using a correlational design, the study distinguishes between social bonds (connections with family or Ukrainian peers) and social bridges (connections with people in the host society). Results showed that contact with social bridges was positively associated with psychological well-being, while no such link was found for social bonds. Loneliness was strongly negatively associated with well-being, but did not mediate the relationship between social connection and well-being. Exploratory analyses point to employment and language proficiency as potential pathways to more frequent social contact and reduced loneliness. These results highlight the importance of meaningful interaction with the host society and point to the complex interplay of social and structural factors in shaping the psychological integration of Ukrainian newcomer women. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Hansen, N. and Zomeren, M. van |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Applied Social Psychology (ASP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 11 Jul 2025 13:57 |
| Last Modified: | 11 Jul 2025 13:57 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5479 |
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