A Phenomenological Study of Family Experiences of Resettled Iraqi Refugees

Rashmi Gangamma

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using a cross-sectional, phenomenological design, this qualitative study sought to explore Iraqi refugees’ experiences of family relationships resettled in a northeastern city in the United States after the start of the 2003 war. Participants’ experience of family relationships was situated within the context of their displacement, which included fear and uncertainty during displacement, and experiences of safety and isolation during resettlement. Themes related to family relationships were as follows: shared experiences of losses; increased trust between family members; shifts in communication and gender roles; and constructing a family legacy. Findings from this study indicate that family relationships play a central role in making meaning of forced displacement and resettlement experiences, which have significant clinical implications for family therapists working with refugees.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)323-335
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of marital and family therapy
Volume44
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science

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