Journal of Muslim Mental Health
Volume 6, Issue 2, 2012, Pages 63-86

"Thinking too much": Psychological distress, sources of stress and coping strategies of resettled Afghan and Kurdish refugees (Article)

Sulaiman-Hill C.M.R. , Thompson S.C.
  • a Curtin University of Technology, Australia
  • b Curtin University of Technology, Australia, University of Western Australia, Australia

Abstract

This article outlines the main findings of an exploratory, mixed methods study examining the health and resettlement experiences of predominantly Muslim Afghan and Kurdish refugees in New Zealand and Australia. As post-migration experiences can impact the psychological well-being of already traumatized individuals, this study aimed to identify major sources of stress and describe the coping strategies they use to deal with it. Spending too much time reflecting on past experiences and current international events, separation from family, and feeling overwhelmed by resettlement challenges and concerns were important sources of ongoing stress. High levels of psychological distress and morbidity continued to be observed for some participants, several years after arrival. © 2012 Michigan State University. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Australia resettlement New Zealand Muslims Kurdish refugees Psychological distress Afghan refugees coping strategies

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85049592123&partnerID=40&md5=bc8d986a5b301cc6a5582bf8a1c8f44b

ISSN: 15564908
Cited by: 17
Original Language: English