STRESS AND COPING OF THE INDOCHINESE REFUGEES IN A CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY
Author(s):
Larue, Michele
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : United States International University, 1982.
Pages:
110
Language:
English
Abstract:
The Problem. Since 1975, over 200,000 Indochinese have moved to California. There has been little research on the psychological adjustment of these refugees. The main objective of the research study was to explore the psychological stresses and coping patterns of the Indochinese refugee. More specifically, the purpose of the study was to explore the following: (a) What stresses were being experienced by the Vietnamese and Hmong refugees living in a community in California; (b) What coping mechanisms were being used by these refugees; (c) What differences were seen between the Hmong and Vietnamese experiences; and (d) What were the implications for improved mental health for these new Americans. Method. The research was done through the use of a translated questionnaire, personal interviews, and participant observation in the California community. The questionnaire was administered orally by a translator in Vietnamese or Hmong or was administered in English by the researcher if the subjects were fluent in English. Results. The data were tabulated by frequency of response and were supported with quotations by the refugees themselves. The Vietnamese perceived their major stresses as finding employment, learning English, and surviving harassment. They perceived their major coping devices as internalizing the stress, studying English, and going to the movies. The Hmong perceived their major stresses as learning English, finding employment, lack of food, and lack of money. They perceived their major coping devices as using humor, talking to friends, and preventing stress. In addition, two other stresses were found to pervade the Vietnamese and Hmong communities: survivor guilt and the feeling of helplessness.