Social Support and the Significance of Shared Experience in Refugee Migration and Resettlement

Abstract

This article examines the role of social support as a determinant of refugee well-being and migration patterns during early resettlement. Analysis is based on qualitative in-depth interviews with 47 government-assisted refugees in Canada and 38 key informants (settlement service providers and immigration officials) in Canada and overseas. The study describes refugees' decision making during stages of migration and resettlement, from whom they seek social support in particular situations, what sources are appraised as most important, and what is significant about the support. The authors suggest that a goal of refugees support-seeking strategies is affirmation through shared experience.

Integration through participation: The effects of participating in an English Conversation club on refugee and asylum seeker integration

“…This "lack of meaningful, supportive relationships" (Simich et al 2003: 885) will have a negative effect on the refugee/asylum seekers' well-being for a variety of reasons; without social networks providing information or support, it is likely that one will feel excluded from society. The specific categorisation of a network or support and their respective effects on the individual have been explored throughout many disciplines ranging from sociology and anthropology to politics, psychology, and health sciences.…”

“…The specific categorisation of a network or support and their respective effects on the individual have been explored throughout many disciplines ranging from sociology and anthropology to politics, psychology, and health sciences. Social networks have been shown to: affect decision-making and migration patterns of refugees (Koser and Pinkerton 2002), highlight refugees' proactive and resourceful nature (Lamba and Krahn 2003), provide a forum in which to share common experiences (Kawachi and Berkman 2001), increase self-confidence and provide a feeling of belonging (Beirens et al 2007), and offer valuable sources for gaining information (Simich et al 2003). Such networks may be transnational in nature, where the refugee/asylum seeker is connected to others from one's country of origin; they may also be local, consisting of members of the host community and refugees/asylum seekers (Williams 2006).…”

“…(P6). This bonding through shared experiences (Simich et al 2003) is a powerful form of connecting to others, as such relationships provide both practical and emotional support through an empathetic understanding of one's situation.…”

“…The types of connections developed in this setting were described as establishing a 'family' network (P1, P3, P5, P9). This resulted in less isolation and greater social inclusion (Simich et al 2003), increased access to knowledge (Williams 2006), and a sense of belonging (Beirens et al 2007). …”

“Thinking Too Much”: Psychological distress, sources of stress and coping strategies of resettled Afghan and Kurdish refugees

“…In particular, a high prevalence of mental health problems among Afghans and other refugee groups from the Middle East has been documented (Gerritsen et al, 2006;Hosin, Moore, & Gaitanou, 2006;Miller et al, 2006;Mofidi, Ghazinour, Araste, Jacobsson, & Richter, 2008;Taloyan, Johansson, Johansson, Sundquist, & Kocturk, 2006), which may manifest as behavioral shifts or lead to acculturative stress characterized by depression, anxiety, uncertainty, or dysphoria (Allen, Vaage, & Hauff, 2006;Berry, 2002). Although social support has been shown to enhance coping and promote health, (Ghazinour, Richter, & Eisemann, 2004;Oppedal, Roysamb, & Sam, 2004;Simich, Beiser, & Mawani, 2003) the involuntary nature of the refugee experience predisposes refugees to stress reactions. As the Middle East and Afghanistan continue to feature prominently in current affairs reports, there is an ongoing potential risk of retraumatization for those who have fled conflict situations (Porter & Haslam, 2005;Sondergaard, Ekblad, & Theorell, 2001), and, public perceptions of refugees from these regions may be tainted by stereotypes.…”