The sociocultural and psychological adaptation of Syrian refugees in Brazil

Manoela Sarto De Lucena,João Gabriel Modesto,Raquel Carvalho Hoersting

doi:10.15448/1980-8623.2020.3.34372

Manoela Sarto De Lucena, João Gabriel Modesto + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-8623.2020.3.34372

Copy DOI

Abstract

Considering the challenges of the cultural adaptation process for refugees and the importance of analyzing these in a Latin American context, the present study aimed to investigate the influence of cultural orientations and cultural distance on psychological and sociocultural adaptation of Syrian refugees living in Brazil. Eighty-four adult Syrian refugees, living in Brazil for at least 6 months completed an online survey regarding acculturation variables. Results showed that greater perception of cultural distance was related to lower sociocultural adaptation; higher rates of home culture orientation were related to low psychological and sociocultural adaptation. Having a Brazilian culture orientation was related with better psychological and sociocultural adaptation. The present research has theoretical and practical implications, allowing for a better understanding of some aspects of the adaptation of Syrian refugees in Brazil.

Highlights

Brazil is one of the countries that hosts the most refugees in Latin America
Food and housing are provided through agreements with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (ACNUR/UNHCR) in the country (Moreira, 2014)
Considering the challenges of the cultural adaptation process for refugees and the importance of analyzing these in a Latin American context, the present study focuses on the psychological processes of cultural orientations and perceived cultural distance on psychological and sociocultural adaptation of Syrian refugees living in Brazil

Summary

Introduction

Brazil is one of the countries that hosts the most refugees in Latin America. The highest numbers of refugees living in Brazil are from Syria—and until the end of 2018, represented about 36% of the refugee’s population in Brazil (followed by Congolese [15%], and Angolese [9%], Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública, 2019). The assistance and integration of these refugees into Brazilian society are hindered by numerous limitations at arrival (e.g., housing, sociocultural, legal, and psychological issues) (Bógus & Rodrigues, 2011) As it occurs in other countries, refugees arriving to Brazil face systemic challenges and access to support services, which are compounded by limited resources and lack of integration of programs and institutions, leading to a limited scope of services (Bustamante, Leclerc, Mari, & Brietzke, 2016). Knowledge of the local language is a barrier to the adaptation of refugees in the receiving country, about 90% of refugees say they speak Portuguese Those conceded refugee status have access to free Portuguese classes in large urban centers across Brazil (ACNUR/UNHCR, 2019). The extent and results of this “cultural shock” and post-adaptation may depend on many factors, from cultural distancing to migration motivation and expectations

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion