Resilience in Refugee War Trauma Survivors: Pilot Study

Principal Investigator: Linda Halcón, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N., Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Cheryl Robertson, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N., Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota

Funding Request:  $147,045

Grant Period:  July 2003 - June 2004

Research Abstract:  An unprecedented number of refugees living in the U.S. have survived war trauma and repression. Minnesota is home to a large population of refugees, asylum seekers and secondary resettlement immigrants. Researchers have found that war trauma survivors commonly experience psychosocial problems, in addition to symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders that include post-traumatic stress disorders.

Most psychosocial interventions for these survivors include clinic-based one-to-one mental health services. While such clinic-based services have increased, many do not meet the needs of this population. Lack of adequate services, cultural differences, language barriers and the stigma of mental health services are contributing factors. Research is needed to determine alternative and acceptable community-based interventions that alleviate symptoms and promote healthy psychosocial functioning among refugees who have experienced war trauma.

This research will test the feasibility and acceptability of the Health Realization Model as an intervention in groups of Somali and Oromo female refugee trauma survivors.