The role of the Ethno-cultural identity conflict in the relation between traumatic experiences and PTSD symptoms in Syrian refugees

Abstract

After the great influx of refugees from Syria, many questions were raised surrounding the problems refugees might face during their integration. This study investigated what the role is of the ethno-cultural identity conflict in the relation between traumatic experiences and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. One speaks of an ethno-cultural identity conflict when two or more identity components are perceived as incompatible. To measure traumatic experiences subscale one of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire was used. To measure the ethno-cultural identity conflict the Ethno-Cultural Identity Conflict Scale was used and to measure PTSD symptoms subscale four of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire was used. The questionnaires were filled in by 56 young adults of Syrian origin that recently sought refugee status in the Netherlands. This study did not find a significant association between traumatic experiences and PTSD symptoms and also no significant associations between traumatic experiences and ethno-cultural identity conflict. However, the ethno cultural identity conflict was positively associated with PTSD symptoms. Because of the small sample size it is difficult to draw conclusions from the results. However, because the ethno-cultural identity does seem to play an important role in the wellbeing of refugees it is recommended that further research should focus on this concept. When it becomes more clear what determines the forming of the ethno-cultural identity conflict, alterations can be made to interventions and treatments to focus more on this issue.