A review of some of the sociocultural features of Australia's recently arrived 51,000 Indochinese refugees is given. The severe disintegration of Vietnamese society by two decades of warfare would suggest the likelihood of significant psychopathology. This is supported by clinical surveys. The psychological responses to migration and resettlement, including persisting feelings of guilt, bewilderment and pining, are reviewed, with subsequent difficulties in marriage, family, employment and education. Research indicates high continuing levels of psychiatric dysfunction especially among refugees lacking social support or experiencing status dislocation. Suggestions are made for culturally acceptable forms of assessment and therapy. © 1984, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. All rights reserved.

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Vietnam central nervous system Australia human Refugees war Aged geographic distribution adoption gender identity Mental Disorders mental disease family Adolescent male female Religion and Psychology clinical article adult migration Personality employment Social Adjustment Middle Age Culture Child