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.
Highlights
Afghanistan remains a major source country for refugees with over 2.6 million Afghans currently residing in Iran and Pakistan, and thousands spread over 70 countries including the United States (U.S.) [1]
Based on the 2005–09 American Community Survey (ACS) it is estimated that almost 90,000 people of Afghan ancestry currently reside in the U.S with the largest population residing in northern California, concentrated in Alameda County [2]
The present paper aims to extend knowledge in this area based on data collected between 2007–2008 from current and former Afghan refugees resettled in northern California
Summary
Afghanistan remains a major source country for refugees with over 2.6 million Afghans currently residing in Iran and Pakistan, and thousands spread over 70 countries including the United States (U.S.) [1]. Based on the 2005–09 American Community Survey (ACS) it is estimated that almost 90,000 people of Afghan ancestry currently reside in the U.S with the largest population residing in northern California, concentrated in Alameda County [2]. Alameda County is the site of ground-breaking studies on Afghan refugees where various health problems and insights into social and cultural stressors associated with being uprooted were uncovered for this population [3,4]. Discrimination and distress among Afghan refugees in northern California
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