University of Denver

MENTAL HEALTH

Special Populations

Children:

Authors: M. Ajdukovic and D. Ajdukovic
Title: Psychological Well-Being of Refugee Children
Journal Name: Child Abuse and Neglect
Volume, Issue: Volume 17, Number 6
Date: November/December 1993
Pages: 843-54
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: No
Abstract: Two groups of refugee families participated in a program aimed at preventing children's mental health problems. The program attempted to gain insight into the character and scope of problems of refugee families and to develop and implement a spectrum of interventions that would meet their specific psychological needs. Data about the family situation and the psychosocial adaptation of refugee children to displacement was gathered during detailed structured interviews with the mothers, while the study families were accomodated either in a shelter or with host families. A considerable range of stress-related reactions among displaced children were identified. Refugee children exhibited a significantly higher incidence of stress reactions if their mothers had difficulty coping with stress of displacement. The findings also indicated that children in the collective shelter were at greater mental health risk than their peers housed with host families.

Author: D. S. Masser
Title: Psychosocial Functioning of Central American Refugee Children
Journal Name: Child Welfare
Volume, Issue: Volume 71, Number 5
Date: September/October 1992
Pages: 439-56
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: No
Abstract: In a qualitative study of the functioning of Central American refugee children in Los Angeles, special attention was given to two questions: what factors in a child's history appear to be the most significant? And what symptoms do these children typically manifest? Findings indicate that a combination of variables such as witnessing war violence and long separation from a primary caregiver was significant for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Authors: Z. Porte and J. Torney-Purta
Title: Depression and Academic Achievement Among Indochinese Refugee Unaccompanied Minors in Ethnic and Non-Ethnic Placements
Journal Name: American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
Volume, Issue: Volume 57, Number 4
Date: October 1987
Pages: 536-47
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: No
Abstract: A study examined the effects of critical elements in the past and present life experiences of Indochinese minors on their adaptation to the U.S. Of particular concern was whether life satisfaction and depression, the balance of American versus ethnic identity, and academic achievement could be predicted on the basis of placement mode (Caucasian or ethnic foster care, group home, or own family). The refugee adolescents who were resettled with ethnic foster families were significantly less depressed and had higher grade-point-averages than those in foster care with Caucasian families or in group homes. The ongoing presence of an adult of similar ethnicity to the adolescent appeared to mitigate against the stress of adaptation to a new country.

Author: A. Schapiro
Title: Adjustment and Identity Formation of Lao Refugee Adolescents
Journal Name: Smith College Studies in Social Work
Volume, Issue: Volume 58, Number 3
Date: June 1988
Pages: 157-81
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: No
Abstract: An exploratory study was undertaken to ascertain how Laotian refugee adolescents are adjusting to life in the U.S., with particular focus on areas that impact identity formation. Potential problem areas examined were family relationships, school functioning, social status and acceptance, peer relationships, and future planning. The primary stressor encountered by the subjects on their arrival in the U.S. was racial prejudice; other significant factors included academic and language deficits, conflicts with parents, difficulty finding an appropriate peer group, and problems adjusting to lowered social and economic status. All but 3 subjects appeared to be functioning well, although 9 showed signs of depression. Outreach to this group by culturally sensitive and compassionate social workers is warranted.

Home | History | Abstracts | Mental Health | Resources | References | Service Matrix | Humanitarian Briefs
University of Denver | Josef Korbel School of International Studies

© 2011 University of Denver. All Rights Reserved. Privacy. The University of Denver is an equal opportunity affirmative action institution.