Objectives: By the end of Word War II, a substantial proportion of the German population was subjected to flight and expulsion. Severe strain and traumatization were described in individual reports. Preliminary studies based on selected samples indicated profound long-term consequences but no representative studies have been carried out to date. The purposes of the present study were to compare quality of life and well-being of former refugees and non-refugees and to identify risk factors for compromised well-being.
Methods: A representative sample of the German population (N = 2.043) was interviewed about experiences of flight and expulsion and their present quality of life.
Results: The refugees (18 % of the respective age group; N = 133) reported a reduced physical quality of life at the time of the study (SF-36). Furthermore, they suffered more often from panic attacks and were compromised in their health and well-being. In the regression analysis, the status as a former refugee was predictive for a reduced quality of life and anxiety, in addition to female gender, higher age and lower income.
Conclusions: The study demonstrates the long-term consequences of flight and expulsion. Further studies are needed on individual coping with the aging process and biographical exposure to traumatic experiences.