| Description |
The current study evaluated longitudinal mental health trajectories for 107 refugees resettled in Utah during 2011. The aims of this study were to: (1) identify a set of trajectory classes that reflect important variations in mental health experienced by refugees during the course of their first postresettlement year, (2) describe the characteristics of each identified trajectory class, and (3) determine significant pre and early postresettlement predictors of trajectory class membership. Mental health outcomes were measured monthly across the first postresettlement year using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25). Growth Mixture Modeling (GMM) was employed to extract a discrete number of latent trajectory classes from the study sample. Bivariate analyses and Multinomial Logistic Regressions were employed to predict trajectory class membership. Results suggested a 5-Class trajectory model. Significant predictor variables were identified and discussed within the context of theories of refugee adaptation as well as the broad coping and resilience literature. Implications for clinical practice, resettlement policy, and future research were also addressed. |
