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Abstract
African refugees remained understudied and underrepresented in refugee studies literature. This study explores the pre-migration, in-transit, and post-migration experiences of African refugees, including their psychological well-being and protective factors at each stage of migration, with a particular focus on Ethiopian and Eritrean refugees (EER).A qualitative design with a phenomenological approach was conducted to explore EER psychological well-being, focusing on the three main timelines in the refugees’ lives: pre-migration (context of home country, causes of departure), journey in transit countries (routes, experiences, challenges, etc.), and settlement in the host country (adjustment, needs, expectations, etc.). Based on in-depth life histories of EER (N = 17) aged 18 and older (M = 37.2) who have resettled in the U.S. in the last decades, this study explores the relationship between the traumas of refugee life and psychological well-being in the country of resettlement. The goal is to move beyond the prevailing narratives of resilience, expanding the limited body of research with the aim of addressing social stigma, increasing awareness, and developing culturally appropriate mental health interventions. Findings showed that EER experience traumatic events in the pre-migration, in-transit, and post-migration stages, which impact their psychological well-being; however, they also possess protective factors that build their resilience. Each stage of migration exposes EERs to various mental health challenges, such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety, due to their traumatic experiences. Deep-rooted stigma and discrimination prevent EER communities from openly discussing mental health challenges. The results showed that EERs are not inclined to seek mental health interventions unless they encounter severe issues, primarily due to cultural stigma, language barriers, and a lack of culturally appropriate options. Rather, they frequently rely on informal support from friends, family, and the community, as well as spiritual or religious explanations for their mental health challenges. This research, the first known study on the migration experiences of EERs, underscores the importance of understanding each stage of migration and its impact on the psychological well-being of refugees.