Exploring intergenerational communication and stress in refugee families

Abstract

More than half of the refugees who have resettled to the United States in recent years have been youth. Refugee youth have often witnessed or experienced violence and family separation prior to resettlement and face barriers to successful resettlement such as language and educational challenges. These factors elevate risk for mental and emotional distress, and protective factors like strong familial relationships are important to promoting mental well‐being. This study utilized focus groups with 36 refugees ages 18 to 25 from four ethnic groups to explore conceptualizations of and communication about mental and emotional distress within and outside of family systems. Youth reported a nuanced conceptualization of their premigration and postmigration stressors and their patterns of communication about distress in three domains: (a) exposure to traumatic stress prior to resettlement, (b) stressful experiences in resettlement, and (c) communication about mental health inside and outside of family groups.

Communication Within Families: Understanding Patterns and Impacts on Mental Health

“…Furthermore, the impact of mental disorders on the quality of life of individuals and their families underscores the pervasive nature of mental health challenges within family dynamics (Kantorski et al, 2017). Protective factors such as strong familial relationships have been identified as important in promoting mental well-being, emphasizing the E-ISSN: 3041-8550 potential role of family support in mitigating mental and emotional distress (McCleary et al, 2019). However, clinicreferred mothers have reported higher levels of phobia and depression, indicating the potential negative impact of mental health challenges on family functioning and individual well-being (Keren et al, 2010).…”

“…Intergenerational communication patterns and stress within refugee families have been identified as factors that elevate the risk for mental and emotional distress. Protective factors such as strong familial relationships have been emphasized as important for promoting mental well-being within families (McCleary et al, 2019).…”

International Displacement and Family Stress in Latin America

“…Children’s quicker acculturation may lead them to feel resettled in the receiving context (Björn et al, 2013), even when their parents do not (Peek et al, 2011). Divergence in parents’ and children’s acculturation and resettlement can further contribute to role ambiguity and conflict within MNP families (Ashbourne et al, 2021; McCleary, Shannon, Wieling, & Becher, 2020; Samuel, 2009; Weine et al, 2004).…”