Bibliography 2: #BIB38567

Key	BIB38567
Reference type	Thesis
Title	Every Story Belongs : A Narrative Study of Individual Refugee Experiences
Author	Rowhani, Rooha
Year	2021
Date	July 2, 2021
Place published	Chicago
Abstract	Refugees are often pathologized, dehumanized, and grouped into a general category. Furthermore, behavioral health has seen an increase in the use of manualized models of care. These approaches focus on symptoms and symptom reduction, which often simplifies and dismisses the complexity of human stories and lived experiences. Therefore, this narrative study aimed to humanize refugee experiences, particularly to bring to light the diversity of experience while highlighting similarities and differences. The conceptual framework was informed by narrative inquiry, a post-positivist lens, and a trauma-informed approach. Purposive sampling was used to highlight the stories of refugees from specific countries of origin and backgrounds: a Congolese, Burmese Rohingya, and Iranian Bahá’í refugee. Semi-structured interviews and narrative thematic analysis were used which allowed participants to tell their stories in their own ways and words. Participants' stories consisted of experiences of oppression and persecution, religion and spirituality as a main protective factor, sense of safety and stability once re-settled in the U.S., optimism for their future given the opportunities for education and success in the U.S., culture shock and difficulties navigating different systems in the U.S., and missing the sense of community and cultural practices in their countries of origin. Of note is that none of the participants talked about symptoms while recounting their stories. This study confirmed the need for clinicians to work to avoid over-pathologizing and generalizing, use holistic and culturally humble approaches, and work with refugees in humanizing ways, such as through narrative and strengths-based approaches, creating a holding space, and fostering strong therapeutic relationships.
Notes	Bahá'í Faith: pp. 31, 36-37, 38, 39-40, 45, 48, 49, 56, 59, 97-116, 127, 134-135, 144, 146, 160, 165.
Language	English
Keywords	REFUGEES; CONGO; BURMA; IRAN; PERSECUTION
Number of pages	165
Thesis type	Doctorate
Academic department	Clinical Psychology
University	Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Degree	Psy.D.
File attachments	internal-pdf://1474302203/Rowhani (2021) - Every_Story_Belongs.pdf

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