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Sudanese Refugees in Australia: The Impact of Acculturation Stress

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 February 2012

Karla Milner
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
Nigar G. Khawaja*
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology, Australia. n.khawaja@qut.edu.au
*
*Address for correspondence: Nigar G. Khawaja, School of Psychology & Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, O Block B wing, Room 525, Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia.

Abstract

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Refugees from Sudan are the fastest growing community in Australia. Australian mental health professionals have to be prepared to offer services to this ethnic group along with the other mainstream and diverse consumers. In order to offer culturally competent services, these mental health professionals are required to be familiar with this emerging community. As such, a review was undertaken with two main goals. Firstly, the review aimed to educate Australian mental health professionals about the demographics and culture of Sudan, the traumas encountered as a result of the civil war, factors leading to massive exodus and the difficulties of the transit and postmigration phase. Secondly, the review intended to inform Australian mental health professionals about the possible acculturation stress that is manifested in the form of intergeneration and role conflict and marital difficulties. The review highlights limitations on the number of studies addressing acculturation stress of Sudanese refugees and even fewer on the impact it has on relationships. Future research directions are discussed.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010