Faculty Sponsor, if applicable
Anne Saw
Project Abstract
Objective: Since 2013, about 1,500 Rohingya refugees have resettled in Chicago, Illinois, but there is limited literature on the experiences of Rohingya refugees post-resettlement. This study aims to examine mental health and integration experiences of newcomer Rohingya refugees in the U.S. context. Method: This study is one component of a larger community survey that was conducted in collaboration with the Rohingya Cultural Center during Fall 2019. The survey was verbally administered to members of the Rohingya community (N = 308) by Rohingya research teammates A chi-square test of independence and one-way ANOVA analyses were used to assess group differences across gender. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine psychological distress as the outcome, predicted by integration, years in the U.S., and gender. Results: Men had higher levels of social integration and labor force involvement, whereas women had higher levels of navigational integration. Analysis also revealed that higher psychological and navigational integration was associated with lower psychological distress. In contrast, lower social integration was associated with lower psychological distress while age was associated with greater psychological distress. Implications: Findings may provide guidance for resettlement and other social service agencies on how to promote greater integration of refugees.
Type of Research
Doctoral-Undergraduate Opportunity for Scholarship (DUOS)
Preview
Presentation Year
5-17-2021