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Bridging the gap: Educational cultural brokers supporting the mental health of refugee youth

Refugee youth are identified as a high risk group due to the likelihood of exposure to trauma (UNICEF, 1996) and frequent reports of anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD)(Ellis, MacDonald, Lincoln, & Cabral, 2008). However they tend to underutilize mental health services(Fenta, Hyman, & Noh, 2006). This study explored the ways in which educational cultural brokers support the psychological well-being of refugee youth. Using a qualitative case study (Merriam, 2009), four cultural brokers and three mental health practitioners were interviewed and data was analyzed thematically. Two broad themes were identified encompassing informal supports and formal supports. Sub-themes that represented informal supports were: (1) Facilitating cultural integration and sense of belonging, (2) Bridging to settlement services, and (3) Providing supportive counselling. Sub-themes describing formal supports were: (1) Facilitating referrals, (2) Educating, (3) Providing contextual information, and (4) Providing cultural interpretation. The practice implications of this research are discussed. / Counselling Psychology

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:AEU.10048/1479
Date11 1900
CreatorsBrar, Novjyot
ContributorsDr. Sophie C. Yohani, PhD. (Educational Psychology), Dr. Robin D. Everall, PhD. (Educational Psychology), Dr. Solina Richter, PhD. (Faculty of Nursing)
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Format631189 bytes, application/pdf

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