SLLS Webinar Series 2026: Session 6
The Affective Well-being of Ukranian Refugees in Germany: Evidence from Five Waves of Representative Panel Data
About the event
Thursday 11 June 2026
13:00 - 14:00 UK, BST (14:00 - 15:00 CET)
Via Zoom
The Affective Wellbeing of Ukranian Refugees in Germany: Evidence from Five Waves of Representative Panel Data
Dr. Lisa Kriechel, Senior Researcher, Federal Institute for Population Research (BIB)
About the session
While the mental health of Ukrainians has been a common research topic during the past four years, much less is known about their well-being. Especially the affective well-being which considers emotions is a more dynamic indicator of people’s current condition. Using five waves of representative panel data (2022–2024) of the IAB-BiB/FReDA-BAMF-SOEP (later BiB/FReDA) Survey on Ukrainian Refugees in Germany, the affective well-being of Ukrainian refugees in Germany was examined. The semi-annual questionnaire as well as the dynamic nature of emotions offer the possibility of taking a close look at the state of health of Ukrainian refugees in Germany. A within-between model was used to detect risk and protective factors as well as highlight which groups of Ukrainians might need more support.
With these analyses, we found that especially their worries about health and economic insecurity were among the strongest predictors of affective well-being. The located protective factors did not buffer the detrimental effects of worrying. These persistent worries have the potential to overshadow daily life and diminish the impact of traditionally protective factors. We thus promote the facilitation of temporary connections of separated Ukrainian families, as well as social cohesion and a sense of solidarity in Germany.
About the speaker
Dr. Lisa Kriechel is a senior researcher at the Federal Institute for Population Research. Her current research primarily focuses on the well-being of specific populations like Ukrainian refugees in Germany. She examines family-related risk and protective factors within these groups. Dr Kriechel is also interested in various methods for analyzing longitudinal data.
Session convenors
Andreas Ette (Federal Institute for Population Research (BIB)) and Ben Edwards (Australian National University), co-ordinators of the SLLS Refugees Across the Lifecourse Group
How to register
Participation in this session is free of charge and open to all, but registration is required.
To register for this session, choose 1 in the 'quantity' dropdown box below (if you are registering a number of people, insert the overall number), then click on the 'Book Now' button and fill in the short form.
The session will be held via Zoom and all registrants will be emailed joining instructions a couple of days before the event. If you do not receive an email, please contact Cat Westlake.
