The aim of this study was to determine the severity and risk factors of cultureshock in Darfuri asylum seekers living in Israel. A sample of 340 asylum seekerswas measured on socio-demographic factors, living difficulties, exposure to enroutetrauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), perceived discriminationand the Culture Shock Questionnaire (CSQ). Higher levels of culture shockwere observed in females, males with PTSD and those from rural origin whoexperienced traumatic events en route. In addition, culture shock scores werehigher for asylum seekers who, despite receiving legal aid, were denied a temporaryrefugee status. Greater perceived discrimination and higher frequency ofexperiencing lack of food made unique and meaningful contributions to cultureshock. Care programmes should target sub-groups at risk, including femalesand those who suffer from PTSD, and focus on improving living conditionsand posttraumatic stress reactions to war experiences in order to facilitate adjustmentof asylum seekers to the new society. © The Author 2015.

Asylum seekers Gender Acculturative stress Refugees PTSD Culture shock trauma

Acculturation risk factor Darfur refugee asylum seeker gender Sudan