Immigration stress among refugees resettled in the United States. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kamimura, Akiko; Weaver, Shannon; Sin, Kai; Pye, Mu; Panahi, Samin
• Is Part Of: International journal of social psychiatry. Volume 67:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 144
• Page End: 149
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Refugees -- resettlement -- immigration stress -- health -- United States; Social psychiatry -- Periodicals; 362.205
• DOI: 10.1177/0020764020939611
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7640

Abstract

Background: Immigration stress includes acculturation stress and the stress related to language barriers, discrimination, occupational challenges, and feelings of isolation from society and a sense of newness or loss. Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine immigration stress among refugees resettled in the United States. Methods: A self-administered or interviewer-administered survey was collected from individuals with a refugee background in Utah from summer through fall in 2017 ( N = 190). Results: Older age was associated with higher levels of financial stress and homesickness. Poorer levels of self-rated health and fewer somatic symptoms were related to higher levels of homesickness and language barriers. Higher educational attainment was associated with higher levels of financial stress. Conclusion: Refugees are a vulnerable population due to being displaced to a foreign country and having to quickly learn a new language and different culture. It is imperative to gain more knowledge on diverse refugee groups and ways in which they can maintain optimum quality of life through and after the resettlement process.