Acculturation, partner violence, and psychological distress in refugee women from Somalia

J Interpers Violence. 2008 Nov;23(11):1654-63. doi: 10.1177/0886260508314310. Epub 2008 Feb 28.

Abstract

This study examined the relations among acculturation, domestic violence, and mental health in 62 married refugee women from Somalia. Refugees from Somalia constituted the largest group of refugees entering the United States in 2005, and little is known about the presence of domestic violence in this group. The results showed that women who reported greater ability to speak English also reported more experiences of partner psychological abuse and physical aggression. Experiences of more psychological abuse and physical aggressions also predicted more psychological distress. Implications for future research and psychological services are addressed.

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation*
  • Adult
  • Battered Women / psychology
  • Battered Women / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Health Education / methods
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Middle Aged
  • Refugees / psychology
  • Refugees / statistics & numerical data*
  • Somalia / ethnology
  • Spouse Abuse / ethnology*
  • Spouse Abuse / prevention & control
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology
  • Stress, Psychological / ethnology*
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Women's Health / ethnology*