Journal of Sociology and Social Work

Demoralization: Exploring the Post-Migratory Experiences ofNewcomers Resettling In Canada
Lynne Briggs, Lesley Cooper

Abstract
This study explored the impact of post-migratory experiences on the psychological well-being of recent immigrants (newcomers)resettling in Canada. A mixed method design(focus groups, individual semistructured interviews, questionnaires and a self-rating scale)was used with a sample of 80 participants living in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and attending one of two programmes aimed at enhancing resettlement. Thisallowed for the degree of non-specific psychological distress among the sample to be determined. Specific factors deemed to impact on successful resettlement were also explored.The results indicated that having family, friends, community supports, an ability to speak English and gaining appropriate employment were significantly associated with symptoms ofnon-specific psychological distress. While the study was undertaken in Ontario and the results may not be able to be generalized to all migrants, the findings do have implications for the overall success of resettlement programmes, and for social workers and other mental health professionals working with newcomers to Ontario.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jssw.v3n2a3