The Case for Resilience in African Refugees: A Literature Review and Suggestions for Future Research

The current literature review aims to examine research findings on the various risks experienced by African refugees, address sources of resilience in African refugees, and provide suggestions for future research. Because of the occurrence of mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression in some refugee populations, a medicalized approach and trauma-focused treatment models have dominated research with this population. At the same time, there has been an emergence of research examining resilience in refugees. Some researchers have argued that, despite the negative experiences during different phases of migration, not all refugees develop mental health problems. Instead, and in spite of the risks, some refugees manage to be resilient. Against this background, this review seeks to (a) examine what is known about resilience in African refugees and (b) provide suggestions for future research.