Post-Migration Stress and Mental Health Outcomes: A Comparative Study of Syrian Refugee Women in Houston and Jordan

Fatin Atrooz, Chiara Acquati, Arunima Bhattacharjee, Omar F. Khabour, Sally Aljararwah and Samina Salim ()
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Fatin Atrooz: Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
Chiara Acquati: Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
Arunima Bhattacharjee: Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
Omar F. Khabour: Medical Laboratory Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 2210, Jordan
Sally Aljararwah: Medical Laboratory Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 2210, Jordan
Samina Salim: Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: This study aims to examine context-specific post-migration stress factors and their differential impacts on the mental health of Syrian refugee women resettled in Houston, Texas, and urban communities in Jordan. A cross-sectional survey investigated sociodemographic and health-related conditions, psychological distress and coping (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]), mental health-related symptomatology (Self-Report Questionnaire [SRQ]), conflict-related psychological distress (Afghan Symptom Checklist [ASC]), and post-migration stress (Refugee Post-Migration Stress Scale [RPMS]). Linear regression models examined factors associated with post-migration stress and mental health outcomes. A total of 127 Syrian refugee women participated in the study. Participants were in their mid-30s (mean age = 34.79 ± 11.2 years), married (66.9%), and reported low levels of education (44.8% below high school), low employment (27.2%), and elevated financial strain (91% below the poverty line). Jordan-based refugees exhibited higher scores on mental distress measures compared to their Houston-based counterparts; specifically more elevated psychological distress ( p < 0.001), symptomatology ( p < 0.001), and conflict-related distress ( p < 0.001). Syrian refugee women in Houston reported higher social strain, while those in Jordan experienced greater financial hardship and barriers to accessing healthcare services. Mental distress among Syrian refugee women is influenced by specific post-migration stressors that vary by resettlement location. Targeted interventions are necessary to improve mental health outcomes in this population.

Keywords: women; mental health; post-migration stress; psychological distress; symptomatology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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