The Relative Contribution of Posttraumatic and Acculturative Stress to Subjective Mental Health Among Bosnian Refugees

Abstract

The relationship between posttraumatic stress reactions, cultural adaptation,and mental health symptoms is still poorly understood. This empiricalstudy examined the relative contribution of both posttraumatic reactionsand acculturation rates to subjective mental health in 2 groups of Bosnianrefugees, a clinical group (N 34) and a nonclinical community group(N44). As hypothesized, posttraumatic reactions were highly predictiveof mental health state in both groups. In addition, two specific acculturationaspects, cultural affiliation and the obtaining of instrumental skills,were significantly related to mental health symptoms. The implications ofthese findings for mental health professionals working with refugees andother traumatized populations are considered.