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The Role of Coping Strategies in Post-Traumatic Growth among Syrian Refugees: A Structural Equation Model

Author

Listed:
  • Busra Acar

    (Department of Psychology, Koç University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
    Department of Psychology, Ozyegin University, 34794 Istanbul, Turkey)

  • İbrahim H. Acar

    (Department of Psychology, Ozyegin University, 34794 Istanbul, Turkey)

  • Omar A. Alhiraki

    (Department of Surgery, Bab Al-Hawa Hospital, Idlib, Syria)

  • Ola Fahham

    (Department of Surgery, Bab Al-Hawa Hospital, Idlib, Syria)

  • Yesim Erim

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany)

  • Ceren Acarturk

    (Department of Psychology, Koç University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey)

Abstract

The Syrian conflict has led to a mass migration of Syrians to other countries and exposed them to many possible traumatic events and stressors in their country of origin and in the resettlement process. The possibility of positive psychological effects of adverse life events is less documented among Syrian refugees. Thus, the current study aimed to develop preliminary evidence for the identifying factors: traumatic experiences, post-migration stressors and coping strategies that are associated with post-traumatic growth (PTG) of Syrian refugees residing in Turkey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used in the current study to assess the associations among these factors. Data were obtained from Syrian refugees residing in the governorates of Hatay and Mardin. A total of 528 Syrians, aged between 18–77 years (M = 35.60, SD = 11.65) participated in this cross-sectional study. Results from the SEM indicated that past traumatic experiences and post-migration stressors were indirectly related to PTG. The results from the current study provide support for that the association between refugees’ traumatic experiences, post-migration stressors and PTG appear to be explained through the presence of coping strategies which could be addressed in the psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions for refugees to promote positive psychological change. Future studies should address the effects of post-migration stressors on PTG in detail.

Suggested Citation

  • Busra Acar & İbrahim H. Acar & Omar A. Alhiraki & Ola Fahham & Yesim Erim & Ceren Acarturk, 2021. "The Role of Coping Strategies in Post-Traumatic Growth among Syrian Refugees: A Structural Equation Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8829-:d:619008
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    Cited by:

    1. Aron Tesfai & Laura E. Captari & Anna Meyer-Weitz & Richard G. Cowden, 2023. "Coping Resources among Forced Migrants in South Africa: Exploring the Role of Character Strengths in Coping, Adjustment, and Flourishing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-16, December.

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