Forty-four interviews were included in the final analysis. Table 1 provides a demographic analysis of a group of IDPs in Ukraine, revealing distinct patterns in terms of gender, age, duration of stay in the native city occupied by Russian troops, and the regions in which they are currently inhabit.
Table 1
Participant demographics.
Variables | Sub variables | n | % |
Gender | Male | 12 | 27 |
Female | 32 | 73 |
Age | 18–35 years | 14 | 32 |
36–45 years | 10 | 23 |
46–60 years | 12 | 27 |
More than 60 years | 8 | 18 |
Duration of stay in the occupation | Up to 3 months | 12 | 27 |
3–6 months | 20 | 46 |
6–12 months | 8 | 18 |
More than 12 months | 4 | 9 |
Host regions of Ukraine | Central part of Ukraine | 14 | 32 |
Western part of Ukraine | 14 | 32 |
Northern part of Ukraine | 16 | 36 |
Employment status | Unemployed and not looking for employment | 8 | 18 |
Unemployed and looking for employment | 14 | 32 |
Part-time employment and student | 8 | 18 |
Full-time employment | 14 | 32 |
Consistent with the themes that emerged during the data analysis, two domains of investigation of the social isolation of IDPs were chosen for additional exploration and interpretation: (1) discrepancies with the native community (relatives, acquaintances, etc.) and (2) discrepancies with the host community.
Social isolation IDPs and discrepancies with the native community
Participants described social isolation due to fear of war and occupation, particularly the threat of violence in occupied areas. For instance, participant 18 vividly expressed this concern: “When I walk on the street, I was constantly on alert. Real incidents of such abuse have instilled a deep-seated fear of interacting even with relatives and acquaintances, as there is always a risk of betrayal”.
On the other hand, after forced displacement, the fear of betrayal from relatives and acquaintances was replaced by a recurring dread of bias based on IDP status, which impeded their inclination to maintain social connections. Participant 4 exemplified this, as follows: “When I first left the occupied territory, I was afraid of telling those I knew who remained in my hometown”. Participant 36 noted, “They started telling me that I was a coward and a traitor because I was afraid and left my hometown”.
A complex mix of sympathy, indifference, and, in some cases, outright apathy characterized the local community's perspective toward IDPs. Misconceptions and prejudices, prevalent among both IDPs and the native community, were often exacerbated by a lack of direct communication. This contributed to both the perceived isolation of IDPs from social connections and almost no emotional support or contact with the native community.
Several participants detailed the anxiety and stress associated with maintaining relationships with people in their native communities. Participant 12 vividly described the emotional toll: “The constant concern for my parents, who remained in the occupation, was overwhelming. I was incessantly anxious about their access to food and essentials. Initially, I kept in constant contact, but the burden of worry eventually became so exhausting that I couldn’t endure listening to them”. Intense worry about the safety and well-being of family members and the security of material possessions in their hometowns consumes significant emotional and mental resources from IDPs. Such preoccupation lead to emotional exhaustion.
Additionally, the importance of material possessions in their place of temporary relocation was a recurring theme. One respondent (P7) illustrated this by recounting their preoccupation with a recently acquired and renovated apartment, now left: “Our newly bought and renovated apartment, which we hardly had the chance to live in, became a source of worry. We feared that it might be occupied by 'orcs' [a derogatory term for Russian troops]. To prevent this, we asked our parents, who stayed behind, to occasionally visit the apartment, essentially creating an illusion of occupancy”. The stress stems from uncertainty and a lack of control over their situation.
Physical displacement plays a significant role in the formation of social isolation among IDPs. The disruption of familial and social networks often leads to a lack of mutual understanding between those who are displaced and those who remain in the occupied territories. This disconnect is exemplified in the participant’s account, who describes the growing communication gap with her husband: “Since my husband stayed behind in our occupied home, our phone conversations have become increasingly strained. We seem to have lost common ground of understanding. While I struggle here with our child, his lack of emotional support is palpable. I’ve found it easier to convey my feelings through text messages, as direct conversations have become too challenging” (P24).
This narrative highlights the emotional disconnect that can arise in relationships strained by different experiences of the war. Participants often reported a deep need for emotional support, which they found most readily in others who shared the experience of forced displacement. For example, participant 35 illustrated this tendency toward seeking support within displaced communities: “I have lost touch with most people from my hometown. Finding common ground with them is hard, so I’ve gradually stopped trying. The exception is a friend who also experienced forced displacement. She has become my go-to for support and advice on navigating new circumstances”.
Participants reported feeling culturally disconnected from those in occupied territories, and experiencing a loss of both their physical homes and cultural roots, which led to misunderstandings and social distancing. For example, participant 12 stated, “After leaving my hometown, I feel disconnected from our common community traditions. Celebrations, even daily habits, seem to be fading”.
The results indicate a marked change in social norms and practices among IDPs, diverging from those of their counterparts in occupied territories. Participant 19 remarked, “The way I interact with people has changed. I feel like a guest, so I have to respect their rules”. This change often led to a feeling of estrangement when communicating with people from their native communities: “Over time, there was a separation between you there and us here. However, I have the impression that I am no longer at home. Nevertheless, also here (on the place of temporary stay), I do not feel at home” (Р43). Some participants shared their fears about the new social reality that is being created by the occupation authorities: “They (the Russians) put traitors in leadership positions, who before that often worked in other positions. For example, they also brought people and teachers from a remote part of Russia. In addition, now they are actively brainwashing local people” (P25).
Adaptation to new cultural environments was a common theme among the IDPs. Participants described the process of adjusting to the culture of their host communities, which often differed from their native cultural settings. This is especially noticeable among those IDPs who found refuge in the western part of Ukraine. Participant 15 noted, “I've had to adapt to new cultural expectations and ways of life, which sometimes feel like I'm losing a part of me”. This form of displacement extends beyond the physical, encompassing the loss of cultural and social ties that are integral to their identities. Participant 6 said, “It’s not just about leaving your home. It’s about losing your place in a community and culture you were part of”.
These cultural shifts have impacted communication with residents of occupied territories. Many IDPs talked about difficulties relating to their friends and family who stayed in their hometowns, citing different experiences and altered cultural contexts as major barriers. Participant 20 explained, “Talking to my family back in the occupied area, I often feel we live in two different worlds now”. Forced displacement disrupted established social connections, leading to difficulties in maintaining relationships with those in occupied territories. Participant 14 remarked, “I have lost touch with many friends and relatives back home. It's like we're living in different worlds now, and keeping our connection alive is challenging for both sides”.
A significant number of participants expressed a perception of cultural loss. This was not limited to tangible aspects such as language or customs but extended to intangible elements such as shared values and worldviews. One of the participants (P17) described this sentiment: “It is not just the physical distance; it feels like we're losing our cultural connection, our shared understanding of the world”.
The study showed that IDPs feel a deep sense of disconnection from their native communities, both physically and culturally, due to changes in occupation. This change has led to estrangement from the community they once knew. For instance, Participant 9 stated, “My hometown has changed drastically. The community I left doesn't feel the same anymore. Most of the people left. The city is now inhabited by someone unknown”.
The diverging social realities between IDPs and residents of occupied territories have contributed to the discrepancies in experiences and perceptions. Participants expressed that those who stayed in an occupied city often could not fully grasp the challenges faced by IDPs, leading to a gap in mutual understanding. Participant 11 observed, “People back home do not seem to get what we go through. Our realities are just too different now. You know, it is terrifying when rockets launched by orcs from your hometown fly to kill you in your own country”.
Social isolation IDPs and discrepancies with the host community
Participants not only feel isolated from their native community but also struggle to build new social contacts in the host community due to various discrepancies. Widespread anxiety among IDPs is primarily linked to wartime displacement, with persistent concerns about personal security, basic needs, economic stability, and the future. For instance, one participant (P26) expressed, “I'm constantly worried about our safety and financial stability in this new place. It's like living in a state of constant anxiety”. Participant 19 described, “Constant fear and uncertainty ... Even in a safer community, I feel like I can't calm down, constantly worrying about the future”. Participant 21 said, “The constant worry about finding work and housing for family in new place is overwhelming. It feels like the anxiety will never go away”.
The distress of wartime experiences, such as shellings and occupation, significantly disrupts the social interactions of IDPs, who struggle to find a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. One respondent (P17) shared: “Maybe because of these constant shellings and you understand why go anywhere because now everything will be closed again. That is how I feel, sometimes I get stressed and get nervous so quickly”. Many participants conveyed a sense of being overwhelmed by their new realities, which hampers their ability to forge connections within the host community. Participant 22 said, “I lost everything I had. Here, in a new place, I have to start all over again”. Emotional burdens often lead to social withdrawal, resulting in heightened feelings of isolation. Participant 27 shared, “My anxiety and exhaustion from the war make it difficult to connect with others. I often feel isolated because I have many different opinions about life, and I do not want to share them with others”. Preoccupation with these emotional challenges from traumatic events often hinders their ability to form meaningful connections in the host community. Participant 15 stated: “My anxiety and stress related to adjustment makes it difficult for me to connect and communicate with people here. It's easier for me to stay away”.
A substantial number of participants felt alienated due to difficulties in understanding and adapting to the local norms and practices of the host community, which intensified their sense of being outsiders. Participant 33 shared, “I feel like an outsider here. The customs and way of life are so different that it is hard to fit in, which makes me even more upset”. Participant 9 shared, “I find it difficult to communicate with people here. Our cultural backgrounds are so different that sometimes appears to be we do not speak the same language”. Cultural disconnection from their roots was a recurrent theme, often leading to feelings of alienation within the host community. Participant 18 shared: “The local customs and way of life are different here. It feels like I am constantly navigating unfamiliar territory, which adds to my sense of isolation”. This transition to a new cultural environment frequently resulted in feelings of detachment and difficulties in adapting to the host community's customs and traditions. Participant 16 stated, “Moving to a new place with different traditions and values made me feel like an outsider”. Many IDPs reported difficulties adapting to the cultural customs and traditions of the host community. These differences can range from everyday social interactions to more profound cultural practices. Participant 28 stated, “There is a marked difference in social customs and expectations. I often feel out of place and don’t know how to fit in”.
The perceived lack of understanding or sympathy from host community members regarding the IDPs' wartime experiences further contributes to their isolation. Participant 31 stated: “I feel like people here cannot understand what we have been through”.
Discrimination and mistrust from the host community, often rooted in the stigma associated with IDP status, have also contribute to social isolation. Participant 4 described this experience as follows: “Sometimes I feel like people here look at us with suspicion or pity”.
Many participants reported feeling emotionally exhausted due to the ongoing stress of war, displacement, and adapting to new social conditions. For example, Participant 27 stated: “Adjusting to this new life was exhausting. Every day brings a new challenge, and it never seems to end”. Participant 28 described, “Every day is a struggle to keep up with the changes, and it makes me feel completely exhausted”.
The increase in daily responsibilities faced by IDPs, from providing basic needs to navigating unfamiliar administrative systems, diminished their available time for social interactions, thus deepening their social isolation. Participant 15 shared, “I found myself overwhelmed with daily tasks that were once simple. Now everything requires more effort than ever”. Dependency and caring responsibilities were also identified as factors contributing to the social isolation of IDPs, limiting their interaction with the broader community. Participant 35 explained: “Caring for my elderly parents while managing my life in this new place is all-consuming. It is hard to find time for anything else, including communication”. The emotional stress associated with the added responsibilities against the backdrop of ongoing conflict often leads to an intensified sense of isolation among IDPs, exacerbating their alienation from the host community. Participant 34 said: “I am exhausted. I feel like I am in a bubble of stress and responsibilities”.
The resulting fatigue profoundly impairs participants' ability to engage in social activities or form new relationships, with many reporting a lack of energy for such interactions. Participant 32 shared, “I'm often too tired to try to communicate. Even when there is an opportunity to meet new people, I just don't have the energy for it”. This exhaustion not only distorts perceptions of making positive interactions challenging but also leads to withdrawal from social interactions, further exacerbating feelings of isolation. Participant 44 stated, “My exhaustion makes me look at people through a lens of fatigue and sometimes resentment. In such a state, it is difficult to feel a positive mood and to communicate in general”. Participant 40 explained: “Recently, I have been feeling more and more withdrawn. I just don't have the strength”.
Emotional exhaustion was also linked to negative perceptions and a lack of trust, hindering the establishment of positive relationships. Participant 41 stated: “I feel so exhausted all the time that sometimes I can lash out at other people for no reason. It’s hard to feel positive or confident when you are so tired”. Many participants reported feeling misunderstood or incapable of articulating their emotional state, deepening their sense of isolation. Participant 25 commented: “Sometimes it’s hard for me to express how I feel, and I don’t think people here can fully understand it”.
Challenges in finding emotional support within the host community were highlighted, with some participants experiencing empathy and help while others encountered indifference or hostility. Participant 38 said, “I know I need help because I cannot handle everything on my own, but it is hard to find people here who understand what I’ve been through”.
Discrepancies between the social expectations of IDPs and the realities faced in the host community have resulted in a mismatch between their desire for social connection and their capacity to achieve it. Participant 34 stated, “I was hoping to find a supportive community here”.
The presence of emotional support was found to be instrumental in reducing feelings of isolation. Participant 19 said, “Where we found support, it made an enormous difference in feeling accepted and less isolated. In places where this was lacking, the feeling of being a stranger was deep”.
Community-based support systems, such as local NGOs and community groups, have played a crucial role in mitigating the social isolation of IDPs, helping to bridge the gap between them and the host community. Participant 28 explained, “Community groups reaching out and providing help helped bridge the gap between us and the local people, reducing our sense of isolation”.
Participants noted that forced displacement led to a loss of social status and increased isolation. However, engagement in community events and volunteering helped reduce this isolation and fostered greater involvement in community and national life. Participant 40 stated, “Volunteering has helped me feel less isolated. Thanks to this activity, I began to feel more like a part of the community, that we are all working together to win”. Participant 38 stated, “Joining a support group with other IDPs was vital to me. It is a space where we can share our experiences and feel understood”.
Native vs host communities
The qualitative data analysis of the experiences of IDPs in Ukraine reveals several vital similarities and differences in their experiences with their native and host communities, impacting their sense of social isolation (Table 2).
Table 2
Factors affecting the social isolation of IDPs.
Aspect | Native Community | Host Community |
Emotional distress | Common | Common |
Dominant emotion: fear | Betrayal and physical harm | Personal safety and future uncertainty |
Cultural disconnection | Changes due to war | Adapting to new settings |
Strain on relationships | Struggle to maintain connections | Establishing new relationships |
Emotional exhaustion | Common | Common |
Varied fears & traumas | Concerns of physical harm and betrayal | Economic challenges and assimilation |
Expectations of social support | The higher expectation of empathy | Struggle to empathize fully |
Cultural & language adaptation | Linked to occupation effects | Significant challenge |
Shifts in identity | Not emphasized | Loss of social and professional identity |
Hostility & stigma | Hostility due to perceptions of abandonment | Stigma and discrimination |
The challenge of social integration | Maintaining altered relationships | Forming new connections and integration |
Increased responsibilities & dependency | Less emphasized | Significantly heavier |
Table 2 provides a nuanced analysis of the social isolation experienced by IDPs in Ukraine, comparing their experiences in their native community versus the host community. A common theme is emotional distress, prevalent in both native and host settings, primarily driven by fear. In native communities, this fear stems from betrayal and physical harm, while in host communities, it is more about personal safety and future uncertainties. IDPs face cultural disconnection, with the war altering their native cultural environment and requiring them to adapt to new settings in host communities.
Relationship strains are evident in both contexts, with IDPs struggling to maintain existing social connections in their native community and facing challenges in establishing new relationships in host communities. Emotional exhaustion is a universal experience compounded by varied fears and traumas: concerns of physical harm and betrayal in their native cities versus economic challenges and the struggle for assimilation in the host community.
Expectations of emotional support also differ; there is a greater expectation of empathy from the native community, while in host communities, there is a struggle to fully empathize with IDPs. Cultural and language adaptation presents challenges, especially in host communities in the Western regions of Ukraine.
Notably, shifts in identity are less emphasized in native communities but are a significant issue in host communities, where IDPs often face the loss of both social and professional identity. Hostility and stigma are also notable concerns, with IDPs facing hostility due to perceptions of abandonment in their native communities and stigma or discrimination in host communities. Finally, the challenges of social integration and increased responsibilities and dependency are highlighted, with the latter being significantly more pronounced in host communities.