Canadian Journal of Psychiatry
Volume 56, Issue 6, 2011, Pages 333-340

Stresses of passage, balms of resettlement, and posttraumatic stress disorder among Sri Lankan Tamils in Canada (Article) (Open Access)

Beiser M.* , Simich L. , Pandalangat N. , Nowakowski M. , Tian F.
  • a Department of Distinction, Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada, Cultural Pluralism and Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Ontario Metropolis Centre of Excellence for Research on Immigration and Settlement, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • b Social Equity and Health Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada, Culture, Community and Health Studies, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • c Knowledge Development and Exchange, Community Support and Research Unit, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • d Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • e Baycrest, Toronto, ON, Canada

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the salience of pre- and postmigration stresses as risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to identify resilience factors and explore their mental health salience. Methods: We conducted a mental health survey of 1603 Sri Lankan Tamils in Toronto, incorporating the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview for PTSD. Results: According to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, criteria, lifetime prevalence for PTSD was 12%; according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria it was 5.8%. Female sex and the number of stresses of passage increased the probability of PTSD, whereas satisfaction with life and the availability of nonfamily social relations reduced it. Conclusions: Consideration of pre- and postmigration stresses of passage and of the nature of resilience contributes to an improved understanding of PTSD among refugees.

Author Keywords

Tamil Protective factors Resilience Premigration stress Postmigration stress posttraumatic stress disorder Refugees Canada

Index Keywords

mental health human sex difference International Classification of Diseases coping behavior Aged social support diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders human relation Sri Lanka life satisfaction male Canada female risk factor Article major clinical study adult migration posttraumatic stress disorder world health organization health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79960456301&doi=10.1177%2f070674371105600604&partnerID=40&md5=38bba43cf8632b6d682dc070769873a7
DOI: 10.1177/070674371105600604
ISSN: 07067437
Cited by: 15
Original Language: English