Using Cuban Americans who immigrated to the United States between 1959 and 1971 as an example, this article demonstrates the chronic nature of ambiguous loss in the context of loss of homeland. Ambiguous loss theory provides a framework for understanding the pain experienced by this cohort of Cuban Americans and their families who cope with a traumatic loss that defies closure. While keeping their homeland ever present psychologically, this cohort of Cuban Americans has experienced unique identity and relationship challenges rooted in the tensions between the United States and Cuba. They emigrated because of societal changes that followed the 1959 revolution launched by Fidel Castro against the regime of Fulgencio Batista. Contact with their homeland has been limited while they harbor hope that Cuba's government will change for the better. The utility of the ambiguous loss model is supported and suggestions for future research directions are suggested. © 2016 National Council on Family Relations

Homesickness ambiguous loss of homeland Nostalgia Refugees Cuban American exiles

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