Developing a Resilience Measure for Somali Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Alec Terrana, William Bruno, Najla Ibrahim, Bonnie N. Kaiser, Jenny Wei, Wael Al-Delaimy
Primary Institution: University of California San Diego
Hypothesis
The study aimed to develop a culturally appropriate measure of resilience specific to Somali adults in San Diego.
Conclusion
The Somali Distress and Resilience Scale (SDRS) demonstrated stronger associations with mental health outcomes than a standardized measure of resilience.
Supporting Evidence
- The SDRS identified obstacles to resilience among Somali individuals, placing them at risk of developing negative mental health outcomes.
- Qualitative findings supported the inclusion of items addressing both barriers and facilitators of good mental health.
- The SDRS demonstrated significant associations with symptoms of depression and PTSD.
- The standardized measure of resilience did not demonstrate associations with any of the mental health outcomes assessed.
Takeaway
Researchers created a new survey to help understand how Somali adults cope with stress and challenges, which is better suited for their culture than existing surveys.
Methodology
A community-based, exploratory sequential mixed method investigation was conducted via focus group discussions, cognitive interviews, and survey adaptation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the sample being exclusively from San Diego, which may not represent all Somali communities.
Limitations
The SDRS was only available in English, which may limit its applicability for newly arrived Somali speakers.
Participant Demographics
Participants were Somali refugees or immigrants over the age of 18 living in San Diego County, with a majority being female and having lived in the U.S. for over 10 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website