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A Conceptual Model of Refugee Family Dynamics: A Study with Sri Lankan Tamils

Author

Listed:
  • Miriam Kuttikat

    (School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA)

  • Marianne B. Lund

    (School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA)

  • David Chan

    (Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA)

  • Indranil Sahoo

    (Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA)

Abstract

Sri Lankan Tamil refugees have endured over four decades of protracted displacement in southern India. This paper synthesizes findings from four studies conducted between 2005 and 2018 among refugees residing in the Gummidipoondi and Trichy refugee camps in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Framed by a Community Based Participatory Research, in collaboration with the Organization for Eelam Refugee Rehabilitation (OfERR) and Community Advisory Board, these studies aimed to investigate the challenges related to migration stressors, mental health, family dynamics, and resource utilization of the Sri Lankan refugees living in India. The association of Psychological Distress and Migration Stress (PDMS) study examined migration stressors influencing psychological distress among refugees. The intergenerational Conflict and Community Readiness (ICCR study) assessed community readiness for repatriation and intergenerational conflict employing semi-structured qualitative interviews. The Family Dynamics (FD) mixed-method study investigated longitudinal associations between migration stressors, resource utilization, family dynamics, and health outcomes among Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. The Parenting Processes and Intervention Development (PPID) Study incorporated perspectives of community health workers through qualitative exploratory research. Integrating these findings, the research developed (1) Conceptual Model of Refugee Family Dynamics and (2) Framework for Refugee Health Intervention. These models provide a culturally sensitive framework for future interventions to improve family well-being among refugee populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Miriam Kuttikat & Marianne B. Lund & David Chan & Indranil Sahoo, 2025. "A Conceptual Model of Refugee Family Dynamics: A Study with Sri Lankan Tamils," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(2), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:2:p:169-:d:1577890
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