Issue 3/4 Vol. 34 1992

Psychic adaptation problems among displaced people

AJDUKOVIC, D.

Displaced and refugee families are exposed to stressful events not only before exile and during their flight, but also during the period of exile. We attempted to identify sources currently contributing to the level of stress in the circumstances of living in exile (loss of social status, lack of social support, material deprivation, conditions of everyday life, etc.). Exposure to stressors can activate available resources for coping with them, while failure to establish balance with the environment can lead to difficulties in psycho-social adaptation. These difficulties may be reflected in several aspects such as: behavioral, social, psychological and physical health. The correlation between the sources of stress and difficulties in adjustment are illustrated by data gathered on a sample of refugees housed in a refugee center.

Keywords: displaced persons, refugees, exile, psychic adaptation

Short Title: Ajdukovic, D. (1992) PsyBeit 3-4:157

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