Difficulties and coping strategies of Sudanese refugees: a qualitative approach.

Journal: Transcultural psychiatry

Volume: 45

Issue: 3

Year of Publication: 2008

Affiliated Institutions:  School of Psychology and Counselling at Queensland University of Technology,Carseldine, Australia. n.khawaja@qut.edu.au

Abstract summary 

A qualitative approach was used to interview 23 Sudanese refugees residing in Brisbane, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the participants' pre-migration, transit and post-migration experiences. Refugees reported traumatic and life-threatening experiences during the pre-migration and transit phases, and difficulties with resettlement during the post-migration phase. Nevertheless, participants reported using a number of coping strategies across all phases, including: reliance on religious beliefs, cognitive strategies such as reframing the situation, relying on their inner resources, and focusing on future wishes and aspirations. Social support also emerged as a salient coping strategy. The findings are useful for mental health professionals as they highlight the difficulties experienced by refugees across phases of migration as well as strategies they use to manage these traumas and stresses.

Authors & Co-authors:  Khawaja Nigar G NG White Katherine M KM Schweitzer Robert R Greenslade Jaimi J

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  4
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1177/1363461508094678
SSN : 1363-4615
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Acculturation
Other Terms
Study Design
Study Approach
,Qualitative
Country of Study
Sudan
Publication Country
England