Acculturation, Partner Violence, and Psychological Distress in Refugee Women from Somalia

Citation:

Nilsson, Johanna E., Chris Brown, Emily B. Russell, Supavan Khamphakdy-Brown. 2008. "Acculturation, Partner Violence, and Psychological Distress in Refugee Women from Somalia." Journal of Interpersonal Violence 23 (11): 1654-63.

Authors: Johanna E. Nilsson, Chris Brown, Emily B. Russell, Supavan Khamphakdy-Brown

Abstract:

This study examined the relations among acculturation, domestic violence, and mental health in 62 married refugee women from Somalia. Refugees from Somalia constituted the largest group of refugees entering the United States in 2005, and little is known about the presence of domestic violence in this group. The results showed that women who reported greater ability to speak English also reported more experiences of partner psychological abuse and physical aggression. Experiences of more psychological abuse and physical aggressions also predicted more psychological distress. Implications for future research and psychological services are addressed.

Keywords: mental health, female refugees, domestic violence

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Domestic Violence, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health Regions: Africa, East Africa, Americas, North America Countries: Somalia, United States of America

Year: 2008