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Gendered Sources of Distress and Resilience among Afghan Refugees in Northern California: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

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  • Carl Stempel

    (Department of Sociology and Social Services, California State University, East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward, CA 94542, USA)

  • Nilofar Sami

    (Institute of Human Development, University of California, Berkeley, 1121 Tolman Hall #1690, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA)

  • Patrick Marius Koga

    (Department of Public Health Sciences, UCD School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Med Sci 1-C, Davis, CA 95616, USA)

  • Qais Alemi

    (Department of Social Work & Social Ecology, School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda University, 1898 Business Center Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA)

  • Valerie Smith

    (Department of Health Sciences, California State University, East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward, CA 94542, USA)

  • Aida Shirazi

    (School of Public Health, Health Policy and Management, University of California Berkeley, 265 University, Hall, Berkeley, CA 94702, USA)

Abstract

Recent studies have emphasized the influence of resettlement factors on the mental health of refugees resettling in developed countries. However, little research has addressed gender differences in the nature and influence of resettlement stressors and sources of resilience. We address this gap in knowledge by investigating how gender moderates and mediates the influence of several sources of distress and resilience among 259 Afghan refugees residing in Northern California (USA). Gender moderated the effects of four factors on levels of distress. Intimate and extended family ties have little correlation with men’s distress levels, but are strongly associated with lower distress for women. English ability is positively associated with lower distress for women, but not men. In terms of gender ideology, traditionally oriented women and egalitarian men have lower levels of distress. And experiencing greater dissonant acculturation increases distress for men, but not women. The influence of gender interaction terms is substantial and patterns may reflect difficulty adapting to a different gender order. Future studies of similar populations should investigate gender differences in sources of distress and resilience, and efforts to assist new arrivals might inform them of changes in gender roles they may experience, and facilitate opportunities to renegotiate gender roles.

Suggested Citation

  • Carl Stempel & Nilofar Sami & Patrick Marius Koga & Qais Alemi & Valerie Smith & Aida Shirazi, 2016. "Gendered Sources of Distress and Resilience among Afghan Refugees in Northern California: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-22, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2016:i:1:p:25-:d:86424
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Beiser, Morton & Hou, Feng, 2001. "Language acquisition, unemployment and depressive disorder among Southeast Asian refugees: a 10-year study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 53(10), pages 1321-1334, November.
    2. Lindert, Jutta & Ehrenstein, Ondine S. von & Priebe, Stefan & Mielck, Andreas & Brähler, Elmar, 2009. "Depression and anxiety in labor migrants and refugees - A systematic review and meta-analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 69(2), pages 246-257, July.
    3. Watters, Charles, 2001. "Emerging paradigms in the mental health care of refugees," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 52(11), pages 1709-1718, June.
    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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    Cited by:

    1. Mohaddeseh Ziyachi & Brian Castellani, 2024. "A ‘Cultural Models’ Approach to Psychotherapy for Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Case Study from the UK," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(5), pages 1-20, May.
    2. Jimmy T. Efird & Pollie Bith-Melander, 2018. "Refugee Health: An Ongoing Commitment and Challenge," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-3, January.

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