Pre-migration Trauma Research Articles

The psychological effects of forced family separation on asylum-seeking children and parents at the US-Mexico border: A qualitative analysis of medico-legal documents.

The U.S. government forcibly separated more than 5,000 children from their parents between 2017 and 2018 through its “Zero Tolerance” policy. It is unknown how many of the children have since been reunited with their parents. As of August 1, 2021, however, at least 1,841 children are still separated from their parents. This study systematically examined narratives obtained as part of a medico-legal process by trained clinical experts who interviewed and evaluated parents and children who had been forcibly separated. The data analysis demonstrated that 1) parents and children shared similar pre-migration traumas and the event of forced family separation in the U.S.; 2) they reported signs and symptoms of trauma following reunification; 3) almost all individuals met criteria for DSM diagnoses, even after reunification; 4) evaluating clinicians consistently concluded that mental health treatment was indicated for both parents and children; and 5) signs of malingering were absent in all cases.

Towards a Theology of Migration: A Survival Perspective from Isaiah 1-12

The aim of this paper is to turn the lens towards the pre-migration and resilience processes within the context of the imminent forced migration as found in Isaiah 1-12. The article addresses not only the matter of pre-migration and collective trauma but also the ensuing resilience and hope that is embedded in the text. Understanding the concepts that underpin premigration to trauma and hope, the authors have engaged Isaiah 1-12, which present substantial pre-migration trauma markers of collective trauma, resilience and hope in the text. This article offers original research in the field of pre-migration trauma studies in Isaiah 1-12, as very little research has been done on this topic. An attempt was made to start a new conversation and understanding about forced migration and trauma within the field of Isaiah 1-12 and biblical studies.

Social context factors and refugee children's emotional health.

Refugee children face numerous challenges associated with pre-migration trauma and post-migration adaptation. Much research pertaining to refugee children's well-being focuses on psychiatric symptoms. Relatively few studies have examined how social context factors-such as perceptions of peer belonging, and support from adults at home and at school-contribute to the emotional health of refugee children. Informed by social-ecological theories emphasizing dynamic interactions between the contexts in which children develop, we examined associations between social context factors and emotional health in refugee children. Data were drawn from a population-based data linkage in British Columbia, Canada. The analytic sample included 682 grade 4 students (Mage 9.2years; 46.3% female) with a refugee background who responded to the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) during the 2010/2011-2016/2017 school years. The MDI is a self-report survey of children's social and emotional competencies and social context factors completed at school. Regression analyses were used to examine associations of social context factors (school climate, supportive adults at school and at home, and peer belonging) with indicators of emotional health (life satisfaction, self-concept, optimism, and sadness). Refugee generation status (first/second) was considered through stratification and testing of interactions with social context factors. Perceived supportive school climate, support from adults in school and at home, and peer belonging were each independently associated with better emotional health. Results were similar for first- and second-generation children. Taken together, results suggest a unique role of the school context to refugee children's emotional health. School-based programming that promotes positive school climate can be considered as an important approach to support newcomer refugee children and their families.

A multitier model of refugee mental health and psychosocial support in resettlement: Toward trauma-informed and culture-informed systems of care.

Refugees endure tremendous trauma during migration and resettlement. Despite the wide range of needs and challenges refugees have, previous research on refugee mental health has concentrated on the clinical treatment of certain common mental disorders related to premigration trauma. This narrow attention creates an environment in which positive mental health and social functioning are seen merely as a lack of mental illness among refugee populations. The consequences of such a focus are increased stigma of mental health issues and a negligence of other psychosocial needs critical to the community integration of refugee newcomers. There are few models and studies that focus on service delivery and systematic approaches to guide coordination of mental health services and psychosocial supports for refugee newcomers. To fill such gaps, this paper provides a framework to align stratified interventions and addresses the multilayered mental health needs in refugee communities. We have adopted and applied a multitier mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) model developed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee to provide a holistic framework for a system of care. We have also proposed a two-pillar approach, trauma-informed and culture-informed care, which is embedded into each tier of the MHPSS program. This approach is designed to fill the gaps between mainstream mental health services and refugee resettlement programs, both of which tend to work in silos. Using the case of a statewide refugee mental health initiative in Virginia, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of programs to build capacity and partnerships for coordinated care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Detained Migrants Need MH Care, COVID-19 Protection

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article ProfessionalFull AccessDetained Migrants Need MH Care, COVID-19 ProtectionBalkozar Adam, M.D., Shawn Singh Sidhu, M.D.Balkozar AdamSearch for more papers by this author, M.D., Shawn Singh SidhuSearch for more papers by this author, M.D.Published Online:15 Jun 2021https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2021.6.4AbstractAPA urges federal agencies to provide detained migrants and unaccompanied minors at the U.S.-Mexico border with protection from unsafe COVID-19 conditions and adequate access to health care.In April, more than 178,000 people were detained at the U.S.-Mexico border, the highest number of apprehensions in at least two decades, according to The New York Times. Of those, nearly 14,000 were unaccompanied children and adolescents.Prior to their departure from their home countries, 67% of Central American migrants experienced a murder, disappearance, or kidnapping of a relative, while 77% of children fleeing the Northern Triangle of Central America reported violence as the main reason for fleeing. At the same time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Border Angels reported that anywhere from 7,200 to 10,000 people have likely died trying to cross the border since 1994. Many migrants arrive at the U.S. border having undergone incomprehensible pre-migration and migration trauma. To then place people who have gone through so much in a detention center during a pandemic seems especially inhumane and dangerous.These vulnerable children and families must be protected, and it was out of deep concern for their well-being that APA’s Council on Children, Adolescents, and Their Families crafted a position statement urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to consider the supervised release of detainees or to identify alternative options for detainees charged with immigration violations. The statement further urges DHS and ICE to ensure detainees receive adequate screening, testing, and, when necessary, isolation for COVID-19. Without such actions, not only are children and adults in custody in danger, but so too are staff and the public at large.Detainees at the Southern border are photographed in March in a Customs and Border Protection temporary overflow facility in Donna, Texas.Photo courtesy of the Office of Rep. Henry Cuellar via APPre-migration, migration, and peri-migration trauma contribute to high levels of mental health issues in migrants. Yet, experts appointed by a federal judge reported that caregiver staffing at DHS’s detention facility for unaccompanied minors in Donna, Texas, was “profoundly inadequate,” according to CNN. Migrants and unaccompanied minors need to find support and acceptance. Without effective psychiatric support, these children are more likely to experience serious mental health issues in their futures.The court-appointed experts also reported that border-processing facilities for migrant children are “stretched beyond thin” and experiencing “profound overcrowding.” This conclusion is reinforced by the images taken at the facility in Donna, Texas. There, youth are crammed side by side in so-called “pods.” In such an environment, it is impossible to follow physical distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.Detainees should be allowed to follow the public health protocols meant to keep them safe from COVID-19. Migrants should know that they can be tested, receive treatment, and be isolated safely until they recover. Without such protocols in place, former detainees may not feel it is in their best interest to let government officials know they have tested positive for COVID-19. Ensuring these children and families receive high-quality, compassionate care is the first step to gaining their trust and helping them feel welcome in this country.These children and families present a low public safety risk. Ideally, they should be provided with supervised release, especially if they have family already in the country. There are also foster families willing to help unaccompanied children, and these families must be trained and prepared to welcome them into their homes.Steps must be taken to protect these individuals, who may be from underserved groups that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The children and families detained at the border deserve a humane solution to the harrowing situation they are experiencing. ■APA’s position statement is posted here.Balkozar Adam, M.D., is a member of APA’s Council on Children, Adolescents, and Their Families and a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Missouri.Shawn Singh Sidhu, M.D., is a member of APA’s Council on Children, Adolescents, and Their Families and an associate professor at the University of California, San Diego. ISSUES NewArchived

Pre-Migration Trauma and Post-Migration Stress Associated with Immigrant Perpetrators of Domestic Homicide

Pre-Migration Trauma and Post-Migration Stress Associated with Immigrant Perpetrators of Domestic Homicide

The Development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Symptoms in Iraqi Refugees: Associations with Acculturation and C-reactive Protein.

Refugees experience distress from premigration trauma, often exacerbated by postmigration difficulties. To develop effective interventions, risk factors for mental health symptoms need to be determined. Male Iraqi refugees (N = 53) to the United States provided background information and reported predisplacement trauma and psychological health within 1 month of their arrival. An inflammatory biomarker-C-reactive protein (CRP) was assessed approximately 1.5 years after arrival, and a contextual factor-acculturation-and psychological health were assessed 2 years after arrival. We tested whether acculturation and CRP were associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms at the 2-year follow-up, controlling for baseline symptoms, age, body mass index, and predisplacement trauma. Acculturation was inversely related to depression, and CRP was positively related to both PTSD and depression at the 2-year follow-up. Interventions targeting acculturation could help reduce the development of depression symptoms in refugees. The role of CRP in the development of PTSD and depression symptoms warrants further research.

Identity and belonging: refugee youth and their parents’ perception of being Australian

ABSTRACT People from refugee backgrounds can experience identity issues living between two cultures. Identity development for adolescents and youth, is further complicated by simultaneously having to navigate between childhood and adulthood, and expectations of parents, ethnic community, and host society. Objective: This study with refugee-background youth and adults, explored participants’ perceptions of being Australian and their sense of belonging, after migrating to Australia. Method: Study sample included a multiethnic sample of 79 participants: 46 refugee background youth, 15-26 years and 33 parents or significant family members residing in South Australia. Participants had migrated to Australia from the Middle East, South Asia, or Africa, between 1 and 15 years ago. We used a semi-structured interview protocol and data-based thematic analysis to collect and analyse individual interviews. Results: We identified the themes of acceptance, ambivalence, confusion, and rejection of an Australian identity in both youth and parent interviews, although youth interviews were more eloquent and nuanced. While most participants accepted an Australian identity and considered Australia their “home” for reasons of safety, opportunities and support available to them, others opted for a dual identity combining elements from Australia and heritage country. A few participants rejected an Australian identity but still considered Australia “home”. KEY POINTS What is known about this topic: Refugee-background people generally do not settle in the same way as other migrants due to pre-migration trauma and stressors associated with the resettlement process. The sociocultural and psychological challenges of negotiating acculturation are another important factors impacting on settlement outcomes for refugee-background migrants. Acculturation entails a degree of identity uncertainty, conflict and the need for identity reconstruction. What is new about the topic: Identity development and reconstruction presented on a continuum from acceptance of an Australian identity including a dual identity, ambivalence and confusion, to rejection of an Australian identity. The vast majority of refugee-background youth and parents considered themselves “Australian” and that Australia was their “home”. The perceptions of racism and discrimination affected participants’ identity development and reconstruction after resettlement although their resettlement outcomes appear to be minimally impacted.

Impact of pre-migration assets and pre-migration trauma on acculturative stress among recent Latinx immigrant young adults

ABSTRACT Background Pre-migration trauma is associated with adverse mental health outcomes among Latinx immigrants. Pre-migration assets like family cohesion and social support may promote positive mental health outcomes in this population. The current study aims to identify the cumulative and interaction effects of pre-migration trauma, social support, and family cohesion on acculturative stress among recent Latinx immigrants (RLIs). Method The current study utilizes baseline data from an on-going longitudinal study following 540 RLIs during their initial 3 years in the U.S. Simple main effects of the predictor variables on acculturative stress were estimated using hierarchical multiple regression (HMR). Predictor variables were entered into the HMR model as follows: (1) demographic variables were entered in the first block, (2) family cohesion and social support in the second block and (3) pre-migration trauma in the third block. Interaction effects between family cohesion and social support on the association between pre-migration trauma and acculturative stress were examined. Results Results showed that 20.6% of the variance of acculturative stress was explained by the predictor variables entered into the HMR model. The first predictor block included demographic variables and explained 13.5% of the variability in acculturative stress, R 2 = 13.5, F(6, 521) = 13.55, p < .001. The second block added family cohesion and social support to the HMR model and showed an ΔR 2 of 4.5%, R 2 = 18.0, F(8, 519) = 14.22, p < .001. The third block added pre- migration trauma to the HMR model and showed an ΔR 2 change of 2.6%, R 2 = 20.6, F(9, 518) = 14.93, p < .001. Significant interaction effects were found for family cohesion among documented RLIs. Social support was not a significant moderator. Conclusion Study findings suggest pre-migration resources such as family cohesion and social support may ameliorate post-immigration acculturative stress among RLI, while pre-migration trauma, may exacerbate acculturative stress.

Torture Experiences and Mental Health Problems among Refugees: The Impact of Repatriation to North Korea on Mental Disorders

ABSTRACT Psychological distress is prevalent among North Korean refugees, but their associations with forced repatriation to North Korea have not been empirically investigated. In this study, we defined forced repatriation as a constellation of torture experiences and investigated whether forced repatriation is associated with various clusters of psychological symptoms among North Korean refugees. Six hundred thirty-two North Korean refugees participated in this study. Significant differences in the psychological symptoms of refugees with and without the experience of forced repatriation were found. As a result of past exposure to torture, refugees who experienced forced repatriation reported more severe psychological symptoms than their counterparts without such experience. The findings suggest that premigration trauma shares differential associations with different clusters of psychological symptoms.

The Relationship Among Trauma, Acculturation, and Mental Health Symptoms in Somali Refugees

More than 100,000 Somali refugees have resettled in the United States, creating a need for additional research about mental health needs and premigration experiences that precede resettlement. The purpose of this study was to learn more about premigration traumatic experiences, the process of acculturation following resettlement, and the relationship between premigration trauma, acculturation, and mental health. Eighty Somali refugees from two mid-sized Midwestern cities participated. It was hypothesized that acculturation would mediate the relationship between premigration trauma and mental health symptoms. The results partially supported this hypothesis, dependent upon the dimension of acculturation included in the path analysis. Unexpected relationships among the various acculturation dimensions in the model (American cultural identity, English language competency, and American cultural competency) occurred with traumatic experiences, mental health symptoms, and time in the United States. We discuss implications and directions for future research, practice, advocacy, and training.

The Traumatic Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies: A Call to Action for Mental Healthcare Providers

In this commentary, the authors argue that discriminatory US immigration institutions and policies have a direct negative impact on immigrant and refugee mental health. A close examination of these polices reveal a pattern of systematized racism and discrimination in the handling of immigrant arrivals to the US. The authors further argue that a comprehensive and culturally responsive approach towards the psychological care of immigrant individuals in the US must incorporate the traumatic effects of experiences of post-migration discrimination and racism, not only pre-migration traumas. Finally, a case is made for training mental health care workers to reflect on and examine how institutions and policies, as well as current health care approaches, may result in moral injury and institutional betrayal which can further exacerbate symptoms of PTSD, and experiences of discrimination, health inequities, and social isolation.

Predictors of treatment outcomes for trauma-affected refugees - results from two randomised trials

IntroductionTreatment effects in trials with trauma-affected refugees vary considerably between studies, but the variability in outcome between individual patients is often overlooked. Consequently, we know little about why some patients benefit more from treatment than others. The aim of the study was therefore to identify predictors of treatment outcome for refugees with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). MethodsData was derived from two randomised trials including 321 refugees, who had all participated in a 6-7 months bio-psycho-social treatment programme. Outcome measures were the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (PTSD, self-rating), Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (depression and anxiety, self-rating) and Hamilton Depression and Anxiety rating scales (observer-ratings). Using hierarchical regressions models, associations were analysed between pre- to post treatment score changes (dependent variable) and a range of variables including sociodemographics, pre-migration trauma, post-migratory stressors, baseline symptom scores and level of functioning. ResultsA high baseline score (=more symptoms) and a high level of functioning were found to be associated with improvement on all ratings. Additionally, the following variables were associated with symptom improvement on at least one outcome measure: short time in host country, full time occupation, young age and status as family reunified (in contrast to refugee status). Being Muslim was inversely correlated with improvement. LimitationsTranslated self-ratings were used, which could impact reliability. ConclusionThese results call for screening and early interventions for arriving refugees. For clinical populations, level of functioning should be included in assessments of refugees, to possibly begin stratifying samples to different interventions based on their likelihood of responding.

A Mixed Method Study of the Effects of Post-Migration Economic Stressors on the Mental Health of Recently Resettled Refugees.

After years of emphasis on pre-migration trauma as the major determinant of refugee mental health, researchers have begun to explore the effects of post-migration stressors on refugees' distress. However, few studies have brought together refugees' emic understandings of the effects of economic stressors on their mental health with quantitative datasets to further explore the salience of stress processes as an explanatory mechanism. In qualitative interviews, 40% of 290 recently resettled adult refugees noted that economic stressors were a major source of distress and described pathways through which these stressors negatively influenced their mental health by limiting their ability to learn English, obtain meaningful employment, access healthcare, maintain contact with their families, and integrate in their communities. In structural equation modeling of quantitative data, we tested several possible hypotheses that emerged from the qualitative findings. We find that post-migration economic stressors mediated the relationship between migration-related trauma and post-migration emotional distress and PTSD symptoms. These findings provide empirical support for stress proliferation as a mechanism through which trauma exposure contributes to distress.

Postmigration stress and sleep disturbances mediate the relationship between trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms among Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

Sleep disturbance is common in those who experience trauma. In a sample of nontreatment-seeking refugees, we examined the associations between trauma exposure, postmigration stress, sleep symptoms, and posttraumatic psychological symptoms. Syrian and Iraqi refugees (n = 86; 51% female; mean age = 45 years) residing in Australia were recruited from the local community. Cross-sectional descriptive design, multinominal regression analyses, and mediation analyses were used. Participants completed measures in Arabic assessing premigration trauma exposure, postmigration stress, sleep symptoms, and mental health. They also completed 7 days of sleep diaries and actigraphy. We identified 34.9% of the participants as normal sleepers, 32.6% as probably having insomnia, and 32.6% as likely having insomnia. Variables associated with greater sleep disturbance (McFadden's R² = 0.57) included greater trauma exposure, increased time of resettlement, greater postmigration stress, and greater presleep arousal. The association of premigration trauma exposure to current posttraumatic symptoms was mediated sequentially by postmigration stress and sleep symptoms. Our findings highlight the extent of sleep disturbance in refugees. We found evidence for an indirect pathway between trauma exposure and posttraumatic symptoms through premigration stress and sleep (particularly presleep arousal). In the current global refugee crisis, improving the existing system of care in countries experiencing increased migration is critical. Because sleep disturbance is a modifiable condition associated with mental health, targeting sleep could be an important component of psychological interventions for refugees.

The Influence of Premigration Trauma Exposure and Early Postmigration Stressors on Changes in Mental Health Over Time Among Refugees in Australia.

As a result of the precarious conditions in which they migrate, refugees are likely to have experiences that increase their risk of mental health problems. Refugees tend to be predisposed to relatively high levels of distress upon resettlement, and a key predictor of these issues is traumatic experiences that occur before their arrival. Despite high initial levels of ill-health, on average, refugees tend to experience mental health recovery over time. However, both levels of mental health upon settlement and recovery over time may be negatively influenced by stressors in the postsettlement period. The present study examined changes in psychological distress and posttraumatic stress symptoms over 5 years among 2,169 refugees from various backgrounds, predominately from Iraq and Afghanistan, who participated in the Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA) study. A multivariate latent growth curve model found mental ill-health decreased on average, β = -.21 for distress and β = -.31 for PTSD, ps < .001, and premigration trauma exposure predicted more initial PTSD symptoms and reduced recovery over time, βIntercept = .21, βSlope = -.54, p < .001. Postmigration stressors, such as loneliness, financial concerns, and cultural integration, predicted higher levels of mental health problems as well as reduced recovery over time. These findings suggest that beyond trauma exposure, the mental health of refugees upon resettlement and their recovery over time is impacted by stressors in the early resettlement period, which has important implications for interventions and services to support and encourage well-being in refugee populations.

The long-term financial and psychological resettlement outcomes of pre-migration trauma and post-settlement difficulties in resettled refugees.

Humanitarian crises and ongoing conflicts around the world have created large populations of refugees who require permanent resettlement. The often-difficult pathway to resettlement for refugees places them at elevated risks for ongoing psychological and financial problems, creating an imperative to investigate the longterm outcomes for refugees as they resettle. The current study explores how adversities before and after resettlement impact the psychological distress and experiences of financial hardship over the course of four years postsettlement for a large group of resettled refugees in Australia. Data from the first four waves of the Building New Life in Australia (BNLA) study (N=1509) were used. Recently resettled refugees completed measures of pre-migration trauma and post-settlement difficulties at the initial data collection wave as well as measures of psychological distress and financial hardship across all four waves. Through a random intercept cross-lagged panel model, a time-sensitive bi-directional relationship between psychological distress and financial hardship was found. Additionally, early post-settlement difficulties were indirectly related to both psychological distress and financial hardship over time. In contrast, pre-migration trauma did not significantly predict later outcomes. These results illustrate that trauma focused interventions may be insufficient on their own for assisting resettled refugees in this context. As such, our findings highlight the crucial importance of early identification and responsiveness to the variety of initial difficulties, such as language and housing problems, that may be experienced by resettled refugees to mitigate against subsequent psychological and financial difficulties in the long-term.

Perceived discrimination and subjective well-being among Middle Eastern migrants in Australia: The moderating role of perceived social support.

Middle Eastern (ME) migrants are vulnerable to developing mental health problems due to pre-migration and post-migration traumas and stresses. The evidence on the subjective well-being of ME migrants and its contributing factors is limited and inconclusive. The aim of this study is to examine the moderating role of perceived social support in the association between perceived discrimination and subjective well-being, after controlling for socio-demographic factors. This cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Queensland, Australia. A total of 382 first-generation young adult ME migrants, aged between 20 to 39 years, completed a self-administered questionnaire. To analyse data, a series of three hierarchical multiple regression (HMR) analyses were conducted, one for each of the subjective well-being components (i.e., positive affect, negative affect, and satisfaction with life). The interaction between perceived social support and perceived discrimination for the prediction of subjective well-being components was further explored using simple slope analysis. Gender was found to be a significant predictor of positive and negative affect. Education was found to predict satisfaction with life, but not positive and negative affect. Married migrants were found to have significantly higher life satisfaction, positive affect and lower negative affect. Perceived social support had a moderating role in the association between perceived discrimination and subjective well-being. Considering the buffering role of perceived social support against the adverse effects of perceived discrimination on subjective well-being, organizations and individuals working with ME migrants should acknowledge the significance of social support and improve their capacity to deliver effective and appropriate social support services to migrants experiencing discrimination.

Social anxiety among unaccompanied minor refugees in Norway.The association with pre-migration trauma and post-migration acculturation related factors

ObjectiveUnaccompanied refugee minors (URMs), are at high risk for mental health problems, yet there is a lack of knowledge about social anxiety among these youths. The aim of this study was to investigate symptoms of social anxiety among URMs resettled in Norway, and the combined effects of pre-migration traumatic events, post-migration acculturation related factors (perceived discrimination and culture competence in relation both to the heritage and majority cultures) and demographic background variables, over and above the effect of concurrent depressive symptoms. MethodsCross-sectional self-report questionnaire data were collected from 557 URMs from 31 different countries, mainly from Afghanistan (49,6%), Somalia (11,1%), and Iraq (7,0%). Results: The findings from structural equation model (SEM) showed that the effect of pre-migration traumatic events on social anxiety was non-significant (β = 0.001, p = .09), while perceived discrimination and majority culture competence had unique effects on social anxiety (β = 0.39, p < .001 and β = −0.12, p = .008, respectively) over and above depressive symptoms (β = 0.30, p < .001). ConclusionsThe findings show that factors of the current socio-cultural developmental context rather than pre-migration war-related traumatic events the youths experienced before migration accounts for variation in social anxiety. Potential practical implications of the findings for social workers, educational staff and clinicians are discussed.

Migration-Related Stressors and Suicidal Ideation in North Korean Refugee Women: The Moderating Effects of Network Composition.

Alarmingly high rates of suicidal ideation have been reported in North Korean (NK) refugee women living in South Korea. This population often endures traumatic experiences and violence in North Korea as well as human trafficking and sexual exploitation in intermediary countries. Following resettlement in South Korea, NK refugee women continue facing multiple hardships, such as discrimination, that can negatively affect their mental health and contribute to suicidality. Support from social networks can buffer the harmful impacts of pre- and postmigration stressors on mental health in NK refugee women. Using the stress-buffering hypothesis, the present study examined the moderating effects of network composition (i.e., network diversity and church-based ties) on the associations among premigration trauma, postmigration discrimination, and suicidal ideation in NK refugee women living in South Korea. Participants (N = 273) were NK refugee women living in South Korea who were 19 years of age or older; 34.4% of the participants reported past-year suicidal ideation. The study results indicated that network diversity significantly moderated the association between postmigration discrimination and suicidal ideation, p = .031, whereas networks with church-based ties significantly moderated the association between premigration trauma and suicidal ideation, p = .026. The present findings support the hypothesis that social ties can buffer the appraisal of migration-related stressors on suicidality. These findings have implications for practitioners serving vulnerable populations that experience multiple traumatic events.