ABSTRACT

Forced displacement from one’s home is considered a traumatic event that may be associated with psychological morbidity among children and youth. The negative outcomes may include posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and a host of behavioral problems (Fazel & Stein, 2002, 2003; Heptinstall et al., 2004; Sack et al., 1995; Vernberg et al., 1996). Most of the studies examined internationally forced displacement, refugees, and immigration due to armed conflict. Thus, it is not clear whether displacement is the source of these harmful outcomes, or whether they are the consequences of trauma due to exposure to war and the need to adjust to a new culture (Fazel & Stein, 2002).