Transition in Occupations of Refugees During Resettlement

Purpose: In 2016, there were 22.5 million refugees worldwide (UNHCR, 2017). California resettled just over 5,000 of those 85,000 (Igielnik & Krogstad, 2017). Limited research has been 78 conducted in the United States (U.S.) focusing on the refugee experience; furthermore, there is a significant gap in research regarding the impact of the refugee experience on the occupations of refugees as they transition to living in the U.S. Smith (2012) explored the adaptation of cultural weaving among Karen refugees to maintain their previous occupations and the impact of daily weaving on their lives within Western culture; however, the study focused only on work occupations. This study seeks to capture the experience of refugees and the impact of this transition on a broad array of occupations. Adding to occupational science literature regarding the occupational impact of the refugee experience, as well as aiding in addressing issues of occupational justice (Townsend, & Wilcock, 2004).

Methods: This research is a qualitative-descriptive study. Data will be collected through semistructured interviews. Questions are guided by Person-Environment-Occupation model (Law, et al., 1996), addressing personal and cultural values, environments where occupations are performed, and occupational patterns to identify changes in meaningful occupations due to the refugee process. Participants have legal status as refugees, have been in the U.S. between one and five years, resettled in Northern California, are at least 18 years old and are not required to speak English. As this study aims to capture a broad experience of transition and limit confounding factors influencing how the participant responds to changes in occupations, participants may be of any ethnicity, country of origin, or gender. Two participants were recruited through snowball sampling. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed. Interviews will be coded using thematic analysis to generate common themes across cases (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Rigor is strengthened through member checks and peer review.

Potential Outcomes: Two interviews have been completed and transcribed. The researchers are in the initial phases of data analysis, with completion of analysis by October 2018. Potential findings include in-depth information about the experience of occupations through transition. The researchers expect to find variance in lifestyle adjustment and changes to meaningful occupations.

Implications: This study aims to add to occupational science knowledge. Findings can potentially better-inform occupational therapy interventions for future refugees experiencing issues of occupational transition.