Browsing by Subject "Refugee Integration"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Integration of war-affected Arab refugees in the U.S.
    (Council on Social Work Education 2020 Annual Program Meeting, 2020-11) Makki Alamdari, Sara; Kim, Hea-Won
    This research explores factors affecting integration among war-affected Arab refugees in the U.S. Two indicators of refugee integration including local language proficiency and social connections are examined as outcome variables. This study finds education, health status, and the U.S. length of stay as significant factors predicting these outcomes.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Resilience-Related Outcomes Among War-Affected Arab Refugees in the U.S.
    (2020-07) Makki Alamdari, Sara; Kim, Hea-Won; Adamek, Margaret E.; Sugawara, Carmen Luca; Seybold, Peter
    Refugees undergo different kinds of stressors between fleeing their home country and resettling in a new one. Most studies have examined negative aspects of the refugee experience such as mental disorders or resettlement challenges. Building on strengths-based approach, the purpose of this study is to examine resilience-related outcomes. This researcher believes that refugees demonstrate adaptive and positive outcomes in the face of adversities. For this purpose, resilience-related outcomes are conceptualized as local language improvement and social connections in the host country. Using the stress coping model, trauma theory, and resilience theory, this research examines these adaptive outcomes in association with experienced war-trauma and post-migration stressors among Arab-speaking war-affected refugees in the U.S. This researcher recruited 130 participants through mosques and resettlement agencies in Indianapolis. Participants completed a paper-based survey. The researcher conducted several hierarchical regression analyses and found not strong social connections and local language proficiency among the participants. Participants applied problem-focused coping strategies more than other types of strategies. There was a considerable probability of PTSD. Health status and stay length significantly predicted social connections and English language proficiency. In addition, education was found as a significant factor in improving language proficiency. The analysis indicated that problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies buffer the negative effects of war trauma and feeling of loss on social connections. The study revealed negative impact of dysfunctional coping strategies on potential PTSD among the participants. Implications for social work practice, education, and policy, as well as, recommendations for future studies are discussed.