Abstract
The objective of this preliminary analysis is to examine the differences in risk factors by host country in addition to overall risk factors based on demographic features of Sri Lankan Tamil refugee participants. This original research used a two -group comparison, cross-sectional design to conduct a pilot study among Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Canada and India. Statistical analyses that compared the mean number of pre-migration trauma events for those in Canada (M = 10.98, SD = 4.77) to those in India (M = 6.63, SD = 4.65) was found to be statistically significant at an alpha level of 0.05, t(81) = −4.20, p < 0.001, indicating that those living in Canada had experienced more pre-migration traumatic events. Research results also indicate that post-migration traumatic events for those in Canada were statistically significant (M = 5.12, SD = 1.23) at an alpha level of 0.05, t(69.26) = −2.66, p = 0.010, indicating that those living in Canada had experienced more post-migration traumatic events. A deeper analysis will bring the applicability of refugee theory in refugee services.