Date of Award
1-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College/School
College for Community Health
Department/Program
Counseling
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Muninder K. Ahluwalia
Committee Member
Amanda E. Baden
Committee Member
Kathryn Herr
Abstract
Refugees often experience significant traumas due to the circumstances of their forced migration and displacement, including experiencing or witnessing violence, loss of loved ones, and the destruction of their homes and properties (Badri et al., 2012; Caswell al., 2011; Hollifield et al., 2002; 2006; 2009). This can lead to mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety (Fazel et al., 2005; Mollica et al., 2004; Patane et al., 2022; Woodward & Gavin, 2012). Yet, mental health support remains overlooked by UNHCR and host countries (Mathema & Carratala, 2020). The Liberian Civil War (1989-2003) killed around 250,000 people, displacing over a million. Women and girls endured violence, kidnapping, and forced sexual slavery (Lindsey, 2003; Omanyondo, 2004; Sengupta, 2003; UNMIL, 2008; WHO, 2004, 2005, 2006). This study examines Liberian refugee women’s experiences of war, displacement, and acculturation in the U.S., with 10 participants sharing their stories through Testimonio. Using relational-cultural theory, it highlights implications for counselors, counselor educators, researchers, host countries and UN policymakers.
File Format
Recommended Citation
Walo-Roberts, Sailume, "Seeking Refuge in the U.S.: Liberian Women's Testimonio of War, Trauma, and Acculturation" (2025). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 1498.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/1498
