FIRST GENERATION AFGHAN AMERICAN REFUGEE EXPERIENCES AND RESILIENCE

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the essence of first-generation Afghan American refugees by exploring their experiences within a social-ecological framework. Gaining a better understanding of Afghan refugee experiences could improve immigration policy and mental health treatment, encourage more research, and raise awareness of Afghan experiences. Study participants were 12 individuals (6 men and 6 women) with a mean age of 62 years who migrated from Afghanistan to the United States due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Qualitative analysis using the interpretative phenomenological analysis framework yielded four broad themes: refugee experiences, mental health, resilience, and reflections. All 12 participants reported experiences of trauma that resulted in symptoms of mental health disorders (i.e., PTSD, anxiety, depression), with only one participant obtaining professional mental health treatment. Resilience factors such as community, family and friend support, motivation, faith, and self-sufficiency provided a source of strength that aided in the successful integration of this population in the United States. Results of this study illustrate an association between social-ecological systems and refugee experiences