A house is not a home: Modeling the effects of social support and connection within resettled refugee populations. Issue 7 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wanna, Cassandra P.; Seehuus, Martin; Mazzulla, Emily; Fondacaro, Karen
• Is Part Of: Journal of community psychology. Volume 47:Issue 7(2019)
• Page Start: 1629
• Page End: 1644
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: depression -- language -- mental health -- refugees -- resettlement -- trauma -- United States; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; Social psychiatry -- Periodicals; Community Mental Health Services -- Periodicals; 362.2205
• DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22218
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0090-4392

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The U.S. resettlement program currently resettles refugees in communities of similar or the same ethnic background known as like‐ethnic communities. This practice provides resettled refugees with a familiar community who may be able to provide support through the difficult resettlement process. However, by associating with a like‐ethnic community, resettled refugees may limit interaction with the host community, which may have subsequent adverse effects on well‐being. Methods: This study examined whether satisfaction with community support is moderated by a premigration factor (trauma history) or a postmigration factor (English fluency) in predicting depressive symptoms in a resettled refugee community ( N = 179). Four moderation models were analyzed and compared. Results: The model in which English fluency moderated the relationship between satisfaction with community support and depressive symptoms had the best overall model fit. In addition, trauma history was found to also be a meaningful but secondary moderator within this relationship. English fluency and trauma history within this study did not significantly interact. Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of early English language lessons and community support during resettlement. Further, they emphasize the need to integrate refugees with individuals from similar backgrounds, as well as with host communities throughout resettlement.