Children of traumatized and exiled refugee families: resilience and vulnerability. A case study report

This paper focuses on the main problems and outcomes of two children of a traumatized refugee family who have been in Britain since 1993. Their parents witnessed near death experiences and physical assaults, and suffered losses and a wide range of physical problems; the father manifests post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The children have been exposed regularly to episodic rage and violent behaviour by their father, and have developed separation problems and psychosomatic complaints. Their mother has coped better and is very resilient in her care and approach to problems. This report acknowledges the negative experience of trauma, but also the sources of resilience of parents, children's adjustment and cultural differences in coping styles. Refugee experiences devastate individual well-being and coping mechanisms if there is no hope, support and faith in one's own potential. Protective and risk factors that may affect the manifestation of trauma symptoms are highlighted. A variety of treatment approaches are required for both adult and child victims of multiple trauma. A wide range of techniques, such as group therapy, behaviour and cognitive therapy, and desensitization and relaxation training, can help sufferers to enhance their coping skills and deal effectively with devastating life events.