Well-Being After Trauma: A Review of Posttraumatic Growth Among Refugees

Refugees experience a host of traumatic events and stressors in their countries of origin, during flight, and during resettlement. The impact of these experiences on both their physical and mental health is well documented in the literature. However, the potentially positive effects of trauma on well-being are less well understood. The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize the literature on refugee posttraumatic growth. Posttraumatic growth (PTG) occurs when refugees coherently make sense of their traumatic experiences. As a result of engaging in this reflective process, some experience positive intra-and interpersonal gains. Factors that facilitate PTG, such as social support, coping styles, religiosity, and optimism, will be discussed. The emerging literature on vicarious PTG among mental health professionals working with refugees will also be addressed. This paper will conclude with a set of recommendations for future PTG research with refugees. Research on posttraumatic growth has important implications for the promotion of healthy adjustment and well-being among refugees in Canada.