This thesis portfolio presents two projects that advance understandings of mental health amongst immigrant groups. Part A presents a qualitative study exploring the culturally situated understandings of mental health recovery, alongside barriers and facilitators to help-seeking, for Greek young adults living in England. Semi-structured interviews with 14 participants were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, with four themes and five subthemes identified. Participants spoke about mental health stigma being prevalent in Greek culture, which is shifting for younger generations and the Greek diaspora. England’s mental health system was perceived as rigid and not attuned to their needs. Systemic flexibility, cultural understanding and cultural matching with clinicians were factors shared to support help-seeking. Recovery was navigated through cultural practices and values, safe relationships and self-reliance, with mental health services viewed as last resort. Their recovery conceptualisations aligned with the personal recovery model and CHIME, with increased emphasis on acceptance. This study calls for services to adopt more inclusive and flexible approaches to care, grounded on cultural humility, whilst rejecting individualistic models of psychotherapy when working with this population.

Part B presents a conceptual review of belonging for adult asylum seekers and refugees in Europe, based on a narrative synthesis of eight included studies. Legal status and the security this provides emerged as central to belonging. Without these, the relational and spatial aspects of belonging could not emerge. Belonging’s relational aspect was influenced by power relations within the host country and the social positioning of newcomers. The use of Ecological Systems theory showcased the systems shaping belonging for this population and highlighted the host country’s responsibility in fostering it. The Self-Determination Theory highlighted the mental health impact of the three dimensions of belonging not being supported, urging clinicians and services to move towards approaches that foster autonomy, competence, relatedness and systemic belonging.