Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Refugees undergo different kinds of stressors between fleeing their home country
and resettling in a new one. Most studies have examined negative aspects of the refugee
experience such as mental disorders or resettlement challenges. Building on strengths-based
approach, the purpose of this study is to examine resilience-related outcomes. This
researcher believes that refugees demonstrate adaptive and positive outcomes in the face
of adversities. For this purpose, resilience-related outcomes are conceptualized as local
language improvement and social connections in the host country. Using the stress
coping model, trauma theory, and resilience theory, this research examines these adaptive
outcomes in association with experienced war-trauma and post-migration stressors
among Arab-speaking war-affected refugees in the U.S. This researcher recruited 130
participants through mosques and resettlement agencies in Indianapolis. Participants
completed a paper-based survey. The researcher conducted several hierarchical
regression analyses and found not strong social connections and local language
proficiency among the participants. Participants applied problem-focused coping
strategies more than other types of strategies. There was a considerable probability of
PTSD. Health status and stay length significantly predicted social connections and
English language proficiency. In addition, education was found as a significant factor in
improving language proficiency. The analysis indicated that problem-focused and
emotion-focused coping strategies buffer the negative effects of war trauma and feeling
of loss on social connections. The study revealed negative impact of dysfunctional coping
strategies on potential PTSD among the participants. Implications for social work
practice, education, and policy, as well as, recommendations for future studies are
discussed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:IUPUI/oai:scholarworks.iupui.edu:1805/23670 |
| Date | 07 1900 |
| Creators | Makki Alamdari, Sara |
| Contributors | Kim, Hea-Won, Adamek, Margaret E., Sugawara, Carmen Luca, Seybold, Peter |
| Source Sets | Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
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