Mentor/s
Professor Jonix Owino
Participation Type
Paper Talk
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Refugees endure psychological distress from traumatic experiences such as war, persecution, and forced displacement when migrating to nations like the US for safety. This affects their ability to navigate resettlement and aging. Demographics, cultural background, and social networks are sparsely researched in the context of older refugees and affect quality of life. This study explores how sociodemographic factors influence quality of life among aging refugees in the U.S.
Research Design and Methods: A survey of 108 refugees aged 50+ from Bhutan, Burundi, and Somalia was conducted in a small Midwestern city. The survey assessed how their diverse backgrounds, sociodemographic factors, social integration, and loneliness influence their resettlement experiences. Hierarchical regressions were used to identify factors associated with quality of life.
Results: Females, older participants, and African refugees reported lower quality of life than male, younger, and Bhutanese counterparts. Older age predicted lower quality of life, possibly due to health declines, reduced social engagement, and increased dependency on community support. Greater social integration and less loneliness were linked to higher quality of life, highlighting the protective role of strong social networks. Results showed that loneliness had more pronounced negative effects on women. This shows the need for interventions that address the social challenges faced by female refugees.
Discussion and Implications: Interventions must consider the backgrounds of refugee groups. Community programs promoting social integration and empowering women may enhance quality of life. Welcoming spaces where refugees build meaningful connections and access resources will promote their well-being.
College and Major available
Psychology BS
Academic Level
Undergraduate student
Location
Session 8: Digital Commons & Martire 257
Start Day/Time
4-24-2025 3:30 PM
End Day/Time
4-24-2025 4:45 PM
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Prize Categories
Most Scholarly Impact or Potential, Most Transformative for Social Justice, Best Writing
Understanding the Well-being of Aging Refugees in the United States
Session 8: Digital Commons & Martire 257
Background and Objectives: Refugees endure psychological distress from traumatic experiences such as war, persecution, and forced displacement when migrating to nations like the US for safety. This affects their ability to navigate resettlement and aging. Demographics, cultural background, and social networks are sparsely researched in the context of older refugees and affect quality of life. This study explores how sociodemographic factors influence quality of life among aging refugees in the U.S.
Research Design and Methods: A survey of 108 refugees aged 50+ from Bhutan, Burundi, and Somalia was conducted in a small Midwestern city. The survey assessed how their diverse backgrounds, sociodemographic factors, social integration, and loneliness influence their resettlement experiences. Hierarchical regressions were used to identify factors associated with quality of life.
Results: Females, older participants, and African refugees reported lower quality of life than male, younger, and Bhutanese counterparts. Older age predicted lower quality of life, possibly due to health declines, reduced social engagement, and increased dependency on community support. Greater social integration and less loneliness were linked to higher quality of life, highlighting the protective role of strong social networks. Results showed that loneliness had more pronounced negative effects on women. This shows the need for interventions that address the social challenges faced by female refugees.
Discussion and Implications: Interventions must consider the backgrounds of refugee groups. Community programs promoting social integration and empowering women may enhance quality of life. Welcoming spaces where refugees build meaningful connections and access resources will promote their well-being.
Students' Information
Julia Fernandez: Psychology, Honors Student, 2025
Ellarose Capparelli: Psychology, 2025
Alexa Charleus: Psychology
Gianna Cicalese: Psychology
Daniella Stanzione: Psychology