Compared to other immigrants, refugees often face unique challenges and higher levels of trauma due to their abrupt migration. When resettling in a new country, refugees may continue to face trauma, including race-based trauma, which impacts their overall well-being and adjustment. Despite the vast literature on trauma and refugees, few studies have examined the positive role of family in refugee adjustment. Using a qualitative approach, the current study explores the role of family and support from family members in refugee adjustment. Forty participants across three refugee groups (Hmong, Syrian, and Somali) were interviewed in their language of choice. Using thematic analysis, we found four overarching themes: family social support, sense of belonging in the family, family centrality, and ethnic community as an extension of the family and a source of strength. Across the three groups, various forms of support from family members were cited as playing a prominent role in their adjustment. We found how important it was for participants to feel like they belong in their community; those who lacked biological family members sought support and connections in their wider ethnic community (e.g., neighborhoods). Our findings also suggest families playing a key role as many discussed how their lives and daily routines revolved around their families. We propose that future research should focus on examining the role of family as a resource, in refugee adjustment, and include perspectives from several family members.

Contrary to other Asian Americans, Hmong, a subgroup of Southeast Asians, have seen a steady increase of divorce rates in prior decades. Due to their clan-based patrilineal system and collectivistic values, divorce is stigmatized and discouraged, especially for Hmong women. A mixed-methods approach was used to explore Hmong women’s reasons for divorce, divorce initiation, and the relationship of social support and depression levels. To analyze findings, a thematic content analysis of written responses in addition to regression models were conducted. Our qualitative findings show the most prominent reasons for divorce reported by Hmong women were personality or life differences, abusive behaviors, and infidelity. No statistical significance was found between initiation of divorce and perceived social support or depression and perceived social support. Implications of findings are shared.