Coping with refugees. A Canadian experience: 1948-1981

Abstract

Clinical and field studies of five successive refugee groups to Canada over the past 32 years are summarised. A consistent pattern of behaviour among refugees of different cultural background is described. The concept of Social Displacement Syndrome is reviewed and discussed from the perspective of the refugee recipient society. The early stages of the natural history of resettlement are seen as a series of predictable behaviour patterns of Refugees and Helpers. Some general principles are assigned for the study of refugee situation, of relevance to the development of specific personal and social support systems and to practical social psychiatric research.