Waiting between war and loss: a qualitative study on the experience of ambiguous loss among Syrian refugees
By
Fadim Büşra Keleş
Mustafa Baloglu
Şahin Kesici
Mehmet Ak
June 5, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Navigating Uncertainty: A Qualitative Exploration of Ambiguous Loss Experiences in Syrian Refugees
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Ambiguous loss due to the disappearance of loved ones in the context of the Syrian civil war Key Mechanisms Psychological impact includes grief, depression, identity confusion, and boundary ambiguity Target Population Syrian refugees experiencing prolonged uncertainty regarding the fate of loved ones Care Setting Psychosocial interventions in community and family settings
Key Highlights
Ambiguous loss leads to emotional oscillation between hope and hopelessness Social isolation and difficulties in adapting to changing family roles are prevalent Coping resources include beliefs and collective rituals, but stigma and inadequate support exacerbate distress Prolonged uncertainty prevents closure and complicates the grieving process Resilience varies based on the duration and intensity of boundary ambiguity Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Identify signs of ambiguous loss and its psychological impacts in affected individuals Management
Implement culturally sensitive, family- and community-based psychosocial interventions Monitoring & Follow-up
Regularly assess psychological well-being and social support access among affected individuals Risks
Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and identity confusion due to prolonged uncertainty Patient & Prescribing Data
Refugees displaced by the Syrian civil war, aged 22-53
Supportive interventions should address both psychological and social dimensions of ambiguous loss
Clinical Best Practices
Facilitate access to social support networks for individuals experiencing ambiguous loss Encourage participation in collective rituals to foster community support Provide education on the psychological effects of ambiguous loss to reduce stigma Related Resources & Content
