The Psychosocial Well-Being of African Refugees in Winnipeg: Critical Stressors and Coping Strategies

ABSTRACT

Using a photovoice approach, this study explores stressing factors for African refugees after resettlement in Canada and the strategies they adopt to cope. The study used a purposive sampling procedure to recruit 15 participants (8 women and 7 men). Participants took part in a three-phase process of picture taking, one-on-one interviews, and focus group discussions on the selected pictures. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data. Identified stressors included social relationship ruptures, lack of understanding of the new culture, unemployment, and navigating unfamiliar laws and regulations. Coping strategies and recommendations for policies and best practices are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• African refugees
• resettlement
• mental health
• stressors
• coping strategies

Funding

The authors would like to thank the University Research Grant Program (URGP), University of Manitoba for funding this study. The authors would also like to thank the participants of the research presented herein and community organizations that offered space for focus group sessions and local dissemination activities.