Positive and Protective Factors of the Psychological Well-Being of Refugees from Burma during their Post-Migration Experience

The purpose of this study is (a) to identify post-migration challenges and successes and explore how the Burmese refugees experienced them, and (b) within those challenges and successes, to explore the possible presence of positive and protective factors within these post-migration experiences that may have (i) mitigated or lessened further psychological distress and (ii) promoted psychological well-being. This present study has the potential to offer the field of clinical and counseling psychology new ways of understanding the Burmese refugee experience, particularly the post-migration experience. This study found that the Burmese refugees' post-migration challenges were sufficiently wide-ranging to be categorized under all psychosocial and environment problems of the DSM-IV. They countered the challenges with social support from their within-group experiences and by adapting to the demands of a new culture while rooted in the Burmese culture. Their adaptive choices were positive factors in promoting their sense of self-determination and happiness. An understanding of how the Burmese refugees experienced this period, and how they achieved psychological well-being despite the challenges, may help health services personnel design better service models that not only prevent further distress but also enhance protective factors in support of Burmese refugee psychological well-being. This understanding is pertinent and urgent considering the dearth of research on and focused psychological services available to this underserved, new group of Asian Americans.