Pre-migration and Post-migration Protective Factors in Refugee Resettlement—a Qualitative Study

Resettled refugees face many adjustment-related difficulties. However, they may also be equipped with protective factors to help them adapt to new environments. Twenty-nine interviews examining beliefs and attitudes related to resettlement protective factors were conducted with case managers and community leaders. These individuals had frequent contact with new refugees and were refugees themselves. Analysis revealed four categories of pre-migration factors and three post-migration factors that may contribute to positive resettlement outcomes. The pre-migration protective factors include (1) age, (2) education, (3) English language proficiency, and (4) previous work experience. Post-migration protective factors include (1) collaboration between case managers and the community, (2) the availability of gathering spaces, and (3) refugees’ ability to create communities of support among themselves. Findings of this qualitative study may be used to bolster the resettled refugee community using their inherent strengths.