Post traumatic growth among Iraqi refugees in the United States

Makttoof, Hameed

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125647 Copy

Description

Title

Post traumatic growth among Iraqi refugees in the United States

Author(s)

Makttoof, Hameed

Issue Date

2024-07-18

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Neville, Helen

Department of Study

Educational Psychology

Discipline

Educational Psychology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Refugees
• Immigrants
• Post-traumatic Growth
• Iraqi
• Iraq
• War
• Trauma

Language

eng

Abstract

This study investigated factors associated with post-traumatic growth (PTG), including demographic variables and exposure to trauma, among 107 Iraqi refugees in the United States who experienced the 2003 conflict. It was hypothesized that demographic factors (i.e., gender and years in the U.S.) and higher levels of trauma exposure would be associated with greater PTG. Findings from zero-order correlations indicated that years in the U.S. were associated with PTG among Iraqi refugees. Notably, living in the U.S. for a longer period of time was significantly and negatively associated with Appreciation of Life (r = -.24, p < .05) as part of the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Men reported greater levels of PTG than women in this sample. Additionally, findings from canonical correlations analysis suggested that trauma experiences were related to PTG dimensions of skills and talents, physical, emotional, and spiritual crises, indicating that greater trauma in these areas was linked to lower PTG. This research provides insights into the psychological resilience and growth potential of this population, which in turn may inform the development of tailored interventions and support systems that can aid in their healing and recovery. The limitations of the study and future research directions are outlined.

Graduation Semester

2024-08

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125647

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2024 Hameed Makttoof

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