A Mixed Method Investigation of Familial Stressors among Recently Relocated Iraqi Refugee Children in the United States Matthew Nelson, MA Julia Meredith Hess, PhD Jessica Goodkind, PhD At the close of 2009, there were 43.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide (UNHCR, 2010) From 1983 – 2004, the U.S. resettled 1.6 million refugees, which represents 10% annually of immigration to the U.S. (Singer & Wilson, 2006) 1 of every 5 children in the U.S. is a child of an immigrant (Suarez-Orozco, 2000)

Luxation War in Iraq ~4 Million displaced people in Iraq and neighboring countries (Syria & Jordan) ~135 refugees resettled in Albuquerque between Oct 2008 and Sep 2009 (represented 40-50% of all refugees to be resettled in New Mexico during that time Dislocation / Relocation of families Ruptures Children: “Kids thrive in minimal family discord.” (Suarez-Orozco, 2001) Often underestimated issue

Quantitative Depression & Anxiety Gender and Self-Worth: “They need jobs so that they can see the life” Production: “In Iraq, it is very rare that you can find someone that does not work, especially men. Everyone should support his family.”

Qualitative Role Inversion: “Now it’s upside-down. My mom is working and my dad is not working.” “Production” & “Consumption” The State: Medicaid/TANF/Food Stamps redefine “head of household” Female Producers: “Everything is provided, so we are not missing anything.” Male Consumers: There are no jobs, so there is “no life.” Child Producers: Cultural/Linguistic Prominent Issues: Employment, Education, and Language

Conclusions Social/Physic al Dislocation Unique Stressors Role Inversion (Dis) empowerment Violence Dislocation is cyclical Return Policy Implications for children Suggestions: More adequate surveillance of self- worth/dignity Better quantitative scales to bridge depression and self-worth measures More emphasis on mixed-method research