The present study investigates the experiences of Sudanese refugees by exploring the themes that characterize participants' experiences in Sudan, en route, and at their Australian destination. In particular, the research identifies several factors that may be seen as 'helps' or 'hindrances' to Sudanese refugees' adaptation. Participants were 12 Sudanese refugees aged between 19 and 40 years old who had been residing in Australia for five years or less. A qualitative phenomenological approach to data collection and analysis was employed. Examination of the interview transcripts revealed that all participants identified both 'hindrances' and 'helps' toward adaptation and indicated that positive adaptation is not only possible, but probable for Sudanese refugees in spite of their past experiences of trauma and present resettlement difficulties. Several practical implications were elicited from the research including a need for programs that actively promote refugees' adaptation by encouraging the broadening of social networks.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Psychology
Research Group:	Social and personality psychology
Research Field:	Social psychology
Objective Division:	Law, Politics and Community Services
Objective Group:	Community services
Objective Field:	Multicultural services
UTAS Author:	Wickham, Kylie (Ms Kylie Wickham)
ID Code:	70489
Year Published:	2010
Web of Science® Times Cited:	34
Deposited By:	Research Division
Deposited On:	2011-06-23
Last Modified:	2011-06-23
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