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Discrimination and distress among Afghan refugees in northern California: The moderating role of pre- and post-migration factors

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  • Qais Alemi
  • Carl Stempel

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of perceived discrimination on the mental health of Afghan refugees, and secondly, tests the distress moderating effects of pre-migration traumatic experiences and post-resettlement adjustment factors. In a cross-sectional design, 259 Afghans completed surveys assessing perceived discrimination and a number of other factors using scales developed through inductive techniques. Multivariable analyses consisted of a series of hierarchical regressions testing the effect of perceived discrimination on distress, followed by a sequential analysis of moderator variables. Perceived discrimination was significantly associated with higher distress, and this relationship was stronger among those with a strong intra-ethnic identity and high pre-resettlement traumatic experiences. The expected buffering effects of civic engagement, ethnic orientation (e.g. integration), and social support were not significant. Discrimination is a significant source of stress for Afghan refugees, which may exacerbate stresses associated with other pre- and post-migration stressors. Future research is needed to tailor interventions that can help mitigate the stress associated with discrimination among this highly vulnerable group.

Suggested Citation

  • Qais Alemi & Carl Stempel, 2018. "Discrimination and distress among Afghan refugees in northern California: The moderating role of pre- and post-migration factors," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(5), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0196822
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196822
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Noh, S. & Kaspar, V., 2003. "Perceived discrimination and depression: Moderating effects of coping, acculturation, and ethnic support," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(2), pages 232-238.
    2. Um, Mee Young & Chi, Iris & Kim, Hee Jin & Palinkas, Lawrence A. & Kim, Jae Yop, 2015. "Correlates of depressive symptoms among North Korean refugees adapting to South Korean society: The moderating role of perceived discrimination," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 107-113.
    3. Yin Paradies & Jehonathan Ben & Nida Denson & Amanuel Elias & Naomi Priest & Alex Pieterse & Arpana Gupta & Margaret Kelaher & Gilbert Gee, 2015. "Racism as a Determinant of Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(9), pages 1-48, September.
    4. Beiser, Morton N.M.N. & Hou, Feng, 2006. "Ethnic identity, resettlement stress and depressive affect among Southeast Asian refugees in Canada," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(1), pages 137-150, July.
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    1. Mathilde Sengoelge & Øivind Solberg & Alexander Nissen & Fredrik Saboonchi, 2020. "Exploring Social and Financial Hardship, Mental Health Problems and the Role of Social Support in Asylum Seekers Using Structural Equation Modelling," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Hongmei Tong & Yu Lung & Shen (Lamson) Lin & Karen M Kobayashi & Karen M Davison & Senyo Agbeyaka & Esme Fuller-Thomson, 2021. "Refugee status is associated with double the odds of psychological distress in mid-to-late life: Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(6), pages 747-760, September.
    3. C. Annique Un & Chhomran Ou & Silvy Un Lafayette, 2022. "From the liability to the advantage of refugeeness," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 5(4), pages 530-561, December.
    4. Julian Grabo & Gerard Leavey, 2023. "Geographical Disparities and Settlement Factors and Mental Health of Refugees Living in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-12, March.
    5. Omid Rezaei & Hossein Adibi & Vicki Banham, 2021. "Integration Experiences of Former Afghan Refugees in Australia: What Challenges Still Remain after Becoming Citizens?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-15, October.

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