The Role of Acculturation Stress in the Development of Anxiety and Depression Among Immigrant Populations

Elum  Khan; Faisal  Afridi; Nauman  Yaqoob; Alishba  Noor

doi:10.63056/

Authors

Elum Khan Mental Health Case Manager, International Medical Corps Author
Faisal Afridi Research Assistant Khyber Medical University Author
Nauman Yaqoob MSC Psychology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan Author
Alishba Noor Department of Psychology, Islamia College University, Peshawar Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63056/

Keywords:

Acculturation Stress , Afghan Refugees , Anxiety , Depression , Mental Health, Gender , Marital Status , Education Level , Refugee Integration , Pakistan

Abstract

The research examines the correlation between cultural adaptation stress factors and mental health symptoms (depression and anxiety) experienced by Afghan refugees who stay in Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mardan Pakistan regions. A sample of 600 Afghan refugees received self-reported questionnaires for measuring acculturation stress, anxiety and depression in this quantitative project that included both genders alongside different marital status groups and educational backgrounds. Acculturation stress creates substantial relationships with depression and anxiety according to the research findings. The examination showed that acculturation stress affected female refugees and married refugees and uneducated refugees the most since they reported higher stress levels and worse mental health outcomes. The study identifies the various mental health problems that Afghan refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experience while indicating that personal characteristics strongly shape their psychological response to acculturation. This research demonstrates the requirement for specific intervention strategies to help distinct refugee groups especially targeting women combined with those who possess limited education.