African migrants and stress coping strategies in Australia: Implications for social work. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ikafa, Irene; Hack-Polay, Dieu; Walker, Janet; Mahmoud, Ali B
• Is Part Of: International social work. Volume 65:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 1166
• Page End: 1183
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: African -- coping strategies -- migrant family -- racism -- resettlement -- social work; Social service -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1177/0020872820963435
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8728

Abstract

This research investigates resettlement stress among African migrants in Australia and how migrants manage stress. The research used 30 semi-structured interviews with African migrants in Western Australia. Participants used various strategies, including reliance on family as a community and on God – usually constructed by alliance rather than kinship – to manage stress. The article's key contribution highlights the multilayered approach for social work to integration strategies for migrants. The study identifies three significant issues emerging: the importance of 'families' as community networks, the experience of discrimination and the significance of faith in God as crucial migrant support factors.