Date of Paper
5-2012
Type of Paper
Clinical research paper
Degree Name
Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Catherine Marrs Fuchsel
Department/School
Social Work
Abstract
Warfare is an ever-present phenomenon that impacts people all over the world. Many of those who live in a war-torn country encounter horrific experiences that cause trauma, loss, and grief. The Liberian people are an example of those who have experienced the tragedies of war in their country. The Liberian Civil War caused many individuals to flee, becoming displaced and seeking safety in other countries or refugee camps. This research study interviewed eight Liberian refugees who were children or adolescents during the war in order to explore their experiences and resilience. The participants in this study experienced horrific violence, separation, long travels, harsh conditions, and tremendous loss. The participants were resilient by relying on their faith in God, family, determination, adaptability, and hope. The resilience the Liberian refugees embodied allowed them to become survivors of war. The findings of this research are significant and an important addition to the literature on warfare, refugees, trauma, loss, resiliency, macro-level social work, and cross-cultural social work.
Recommended Citation
Petersen, Melissa A.. (2012). Victims to Survivors: Liberians’ Experiences and Resilience during the Liberian Civil War. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/msw_papers/128