Toolkit Background

We have developed a model based on four core stressors that may influence functioning and mental health of refugee children and families. Refugee children and families have often experienced trauma in their country of origin, as well as during displacement and resettlement. For a full review of this literature, please see the NCTSN White Paper 1. As identified in this review, refugee youth are at risk for symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and behavior problems. Although this research identifies consistent relationships between exposure to war-related trauma and psychological symptoms, we are still learning about the multiple factors that contribute to both risk and resilience in the adjustment of refugee children and families over time. In addition to trauma exposure, other stressors encountered by refugee families play an important role in their adaptation and mental health (see NCTSN White Paper II). Our toolkit focuses on four of the most common types of stressors encountered by refugees resettled in the US including: Traumatic Stress, Resettlement Stress, Acculturation Stress, and Isolation Stress.

One way to counter the effects of trauma and other stress is to build upon the strengths of children, families, and communities that may promote resilience. Many factors may serve as protective and contribute to resilience in refugee youth and families, including individual factors (e.g., self-esteem, coping, emotion regulation, strong ideological belief) and external factors (e.g., social support, parents and or guardians with whom the youth can communicate, a stable home life, community support, involvement in activities) Visit BRYCS for some examples. Identifying these strengths can help us develop and adapt interventions that prevent and reduce mental health symptoms in refugee youth.