MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Refugees, Post-Migration Stress, and Internet Use

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2015

ISSN: 1049-7323

DOI: 10.1177/1049732315601089

Abstract: Post-migration stressors represent significant obstacle to refugee adjustment, and continued exposure to post-migration stressors can negatively affect mental and physical health. Communities of support maintained over the Internet may provide a sense of constancy and reliability that may insulate against the negative effects of stress. We conducted five focus group interviews with Iraqi and Sudanese refugees to understand how refugees use the Internet to access support in their daily lives. Four trends were observed: (a) Internet use was related to culture of origin, (b) refugees were reluctant to explore online, (c) children served as brokers of online knowledge, and (d) limited Internet access is associated with increased time and financial obligations. This study aims to contribute to theory on Internet-mediated social support and to refugee health by creating smoother pathways to self-sufficiency and allowing refugees to exhibit agency in constructing and maintaining online networks of support.

Url: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1049732315601089

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Mikal, Jude Patrick; Woodfield, Braden

Periodical (Full): Qualitative Health Research

Issue: 10

Volume: 25

Pages: 1319-1333

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop