Content area
Abstract
A qualitative paradigm was used to study the process of adaptation of three Russian families who had resettled to the United States. The purpose of this study was to generate case descriptions and a grounded theory of refugee family adaptation. This study reviewed both the individual participants' perspectives and the participants' family dynamics. Data were gathered through individual and family interviews, field notes of interviews, and naturalistic observations. Each family was interviewed a minimum of eight times. Data were gathered over approximately a 2- month to a 14 1/2-month period with the three families. Additionally, data were gathered through the use of participant diaries of post-resettlement experiences.
In-depth descriptions of the experiences of these refugee families were presented. Formal and informal supports were described and recognized as at times enhancing satisfaction with the resettlement experience and at other times as contributing to a tug-of-war effect on satisfaction. A grounded theory of adaptation was presented as it emerged from the data. Adaptation appeared as self-perception of having needs met in the environment. Self-perception of having needs met was expressed by the participants through their stated level of satisfaction with their environment. Participants described needs in two categories: Basic Human Needs and Personal Worth Needs. Personal Worth Needs emerged once Basic Human Needs were met. The participants had more unanticipated positive and negative perceptions in the Personal Worth Needs category. When a sufficient level of satisfaction was reached the participants felt they fit in with the new culture.
