Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the exposure of Ethiopian refugees to pre-, peri- and post-migration stressful events and their implications for both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociation. Method: A random sample (N = 478) of three groups of refugees took part in the research ("Moses" immigrants, 1984, n = 165; "Solomon" immigrants, 1991, n = 169; "Family Reunification" immigrants, 1995, n = 144). Exposure to stressful events and posttraumatic symptoms were assessed via the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). Post-migration difficulties were assessed via the Post Migration Living Difficulties (PMLD) scale. Dissociation was evaluated using the Dissociation Experience Scale (DES). Results: Significant differences were found among the groups in the rates of PTSD (27%, 15%, and 26%, respectively), but no differences were found in dissociation. A significant relationship was found between PTSD symptoms and cumulative trauma among the three groups, but no such relationship was found between dissociation and cumulative trauma. The differences among the groups were discussed in light of the unique characteristics of cumulative trauma, PTSD and dissociation among Ethiopian refugees.

Cumulative trauma Dissociation Ethiopian refugees PTSD Immigration

immigrant refugee Israel dissociative disorder Dissociative Disorders human Life Change Events Refugees middle aged controlled study priority journal Humans Severity of Illness Index male female psychological rating scale environmental exposure Harvard Trauma Questionnaire Dissociation Experience Scale Post Migration Living Difficulties scale prevalence life stress Article Ethiopia Questionnaires adult major clinical study migration posttraumatic stress disorder Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic psychotrauma