Conclusions and Implications for Future Research
Frederick L. Ahearn, Jr.
The purpose of this volume has been the exploration of the psychological dimension of the refugee experience with a special interest in how this has been studied in the past and how research findings have added to our understanding of this problem and influenced policy and program planning and implementation in this area. There has been much debate in the refugee field about how to define the emotional problems that refugees face, what concepts to employ in order to understand and measure these reactions, and what methodological strategies should be used in this enterprise. In this volume, investigators with much experience in studying the problem of psychosocial wellness have addressed each of these issues from varying perspectives and approaches.
Not long ago, the mental health aspect of forced migration was not considered important by many. It was assumed that the critical issues were limited to safety and physical health, and that all refugees either adjusted to their experience without problems or encountered problems that resulted were ephemeral or short-lasting. However, in recent years, mental health has gained recognition as a prominent factor for refugees, and financial support for programs of psychological intervention with refugees are commonplace. Petevi (1996) states that "the necessity to respond to mental health needs of refugees is being recognized and becoming an integral part of humanitarian relief work." Harrell-Bond (1986) noted that we probably underestimate the degree of psychological suffering experienced by refugees and displaced persons from violence and war.
