Caring for Muslim Refugees

Abstract

Acculturative stress is a term that describes the state brought upon the individual as a result of the acculturative process. Immigrants, especially refugees, face multiple challenges before, during, and even after their migration. And while migration represents salvation from war, poverty, and terror, or in the least, a new start with better opportunities, it can cause psychological distress that can be a prelude to psychopathology. The authors recommend that therapists offer refugees the best of what they have and believe in them; if they do, they will in return believe in themselves. Their hope is that people will put their perceived differences behind them and treat each other with dignity and integrity, knowing that we have much more in common than what divides us and are in this together. Violence is our common enemy, and the best way to heal ignorance is through education. We need to build bridges and not erect walls, literally and/or metaphorically. It is a strong belief in Islam that if one immigrates because of religious persecution that God will open doors for him and ease his way. We as care providers can use religion to our advantage when working with Muslim refugees. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)