Unraveling Trouble Socializing: The Impact on the Intersection of Trauma, Substance Use, and Mental Disorders in Somali Refugee Youth

This study examined the relationship between trauma exposure, psychosocial factors including difficulties with socialization, and substance use on the symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs) among a sample of 250 urban Somali refugee youth in Kenya. We conducted four linear regression analyses followed by four moderated mediation analyses. The results showed that trauma exposure, aggression, and trouble socializing predicted CMD symptoms. Moderated mediation analyses showed a significant moderated mediating effect of trouble socializing on the indirect effect of trauma on CMD symptoms through substance use. A final regression model showed that Somali refugee youth who experienced violence, had low social functioning, and had low social support were more likely to have trouble socializing. This study highlights the potential impact of trouble socializing on the complex relationships between refugee trauma exposure, substance use, and mental health, suggesting the need for intervention programs to address socialization difficulties among urban refugee youth.