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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 5/2019

01-10-2019 | Original Paper

Trauma, Post-Migration Stress, and Mental Health: A Comparative Analysis of Refugees and Immigrants in the United States

Authors: Cindy C. Sangalang, David Becerra, Felicia M. Mitchell, Stephanie Lechuga-Peña, Kristina Lopez, Isok Kim

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 5/2019

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Abstract

Numerous studies describe mental health effects of pre-migration trauma and post-resettlement stress among refugees, yet less research examines these associations with non-refugee immigrants. Additionally, few studies assess the prevalence and impact of traumatic experiences after settlement in a new country. Using a U.S.-based representative sample of Asian (n = 1637) and Latino (n = 1620) refugees and immigrants, we investigated how traumatic events prior to and after migration, and post-migration stressors, are associated with mental illness and distress. Pre-migration trauma posed risk across a broad range of psychological outcomes for Asian refugees and Latino immigrants. Deleterious effects of post-migration trauma were notable for both groups of refugees and immigrants. Discrimination, acculturative stress, and family conflict increased risk for disorder and distress across groups in complex ways. Findings highlight the importance of examining trauma and stress at pre- and post-migration phases across migrant populations, including those not labeled as refugees.
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Metadata
Title
Trauma, Post-Migration Stress, and Mental Health: A Comparative Analysis of Refugees and Immigrants in the United States
Authors
Cindy C. Sangalang
David Becerra
Felicia M. Mitchell
Stephanie Lechuga-Peña
Kristina Lopez
Isok Kim
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-018-0826-2

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