Post-traumatic growth (PTG), a theory of positive transformation after trauma, offers a framework to consider what contributes to the thriving of some individuals after traumatic experiences. Refugees living in communities across the United States have experienced the devastating trauma of surviving war and mass dislocation from their homes and countries of origin. This qualitative focus group study sought to explore whether the constructs of PTG had congruence among resettled Somali refugees. The results indicate that there is tenacity for life rooted in strong cultural values among Somali refugees; however, significant challenges are brought to the forefront, impacting growth for refugees in resettlement. The focus group discussions revealed that PTG is impacted by acculturative stressors and that there are significant cultural differences regarding what promotes healing and thriving after traumatic events among Somali refugees. The social isolation participants described raises critical concern for the wellbeing of Somali refugees. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

focus groups post-traumatic growth resettled refugees Somalia

Somalia social participation Acculturation resettlement policy refugee living standard social status cultural identity