Sheenagh McShane

Summary: Sheenagh’s research explores associations between housing and mental health outcomes across Australian refugees’ resettlement journeys. Using a mixed methods approach, First, Sheenagh's thesis reviews research evidence on the impact of housing on mental health for refugee populations in high income settlement countries comparable to Australia. Second, it analyses longitudinal data from Australian humanitarian arrivals to quantify the role of housing in their settlement experiences. Third, it applies a participatory action research (PAR) approach using photovoice to understand the experiences and knowledge that refugees have of the Victorian housing system and assess how it has impacted their wellbeing. Additionally, interviews with service providers who work with refugee populations, provides further insights on how housing has impacted their clients mental health and wellbeing. Sheenagh’s thesis draws on a social determinants of health framework to understand and identify opportunities to promote human rights through housing amongst refugees in Australia.
Recipient of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship, University of Melbourne (January 2023).