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Southeast Asian refugee children: violence experience and depression
P G Fox1, J M Cowell, A C Montgomery
1Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Administrative Nursing, University of Illinois, Chicago College of Nursing 60012, USA. pgfox@uic.edu
The International Journal of Psychiatric Nursing Research
|March 29, 2000
Summary
Southeast Asian refugee children experienced significant pre- and post-migration violence. This violence is linked to depression, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health assessments for resettling youth.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Global refugee numbers have surged, with significant numbers resettling in host countries like the U.S.
- Southeast Asian refugee children, particularly post-1975, represent a vulnerable population with documented exposure to extreme violence.
- Existing research on the psychological impact of violence on refugee children is limited and findings are inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify pre- and post-migration violence exposure in Southeast Asian refugee children resettled in the U.S.
- To examine the relationship between violence experiences and depression in this population.
- To explore the emotional impact of violence as described by the children themselves.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Data collection on pre-migration and post-migration violence experiences.
- Assessment of depressive symptoms and qualitative descriptions of emotional impact.
Main Results:
- High frequency of reported violence exposure both before and after migration.
- A significant association found between cumulative violence exposure and increased depressive symptoms.
- Children's narratives reveal profound emotional distress linked to their violent experiences.
Conclusions:
- Violence exposure is a critical factor influencing the mental health of Southeast Asian refugee children.
- Understanding the nuances of violence experiences is essential for effective psycho-social support and interventions.
- Nurses and healthcare providers must consider the multifaceted impact of violence when assessing and treating refugee children.
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