Parenting Among Rohingya and Afghan Refugee Parents Residing in Malaysia

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study examined the measurement properties of parenting‐related measures among 140 Rohingya and Afghan refugee parents residing in Malaysia, then examined factors associated with these parenting outcomes.BackgroundUnprecedented numbers of forced migrant families reside in countries of first asylum with temporary status and limited legal rights. Limited research examines parenting experiences among these communities.MethodTo examine construct validity and reliability of parenting‐related measures among this sample, we carried out confirmatory factor analysis to examine respectively the factor structure of scales measuring underlying latent constructs of Child Adjustment & Parent Efficacy, the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire, and the Family Functioning Scale. Their associations with individual (gender, age, ethnicity, education), social (marital status, number of children), and environmental factors (time in Malaysia, food insecurity, employment, and emotional distress) were examined using structural equation modeling.ResultsResiding in Malaysia for a longer period of time was associated with higher child behavioral intensity, lower parent self‐efficacy, and higher family conflict. Food insecurity was associated with lower parent self‐efficacy, and being employed was associated with positive parenting as well as poor supervision. Higher levels of emotional distress were associated with higher child behavioral intensity, lower parent self‐efficacy, and lower levels of poor supervision.ConclusionDisplacement challenges negatively affect refugee parents and families.ImplicationsSolutions are needed that bolster the abilities of forced migrants to establish permanence and provide for their families. Additionally, attention toward the unique challenges of refugee families can guide service provision within countries of first asylum.