Objectives: This study explores the changes in coping mechanisms used by Syrian refugee families in Istanbul to cope with multilevel stressors over 9-months.

Background: Turkey is the world’s largest refugee hosting country with 3.6 million Syrian refugees. The development and elaboration of explanatory models of both stressors and coping at the family level over time can help to inform practical mental health and psychosocial interventions for families in low resource settings. 

Materials and Methods: We conducted initial and 9-month follow up interviews with 30 Syrian refugee families. Data was coded and analyzed with Atlas/ti.

Results and Conclusions: The initial assessment identified 22 family stressors in three domains (Surviving war and border crossing; Living in Istanbul; Parenting in Istanbul). Stressors related to war experience were less pressing compared to concerns over financial issues, schooling of children and assimilation to new culture in second assessment. Seventeen family coping mechanisms were identified initially in four domains (Flexible and Reciprocal Family Organization; Hopeful Family Beliefs and Communication; Staying Connected with Family in Syria and in Exile; Making the Best of Living in a New Country). Families decreased in connecting with family in Syria and exile compared to coping mechanisms in other domains such as women empowerment, spouse support, hoping for better future for children, be optimistic and feeling at home in Turkey.  Over time, stressors related to the war in Syria diminished whereas displacement stressors increased.  These changes over time in stressors and coping strategies can help inform family focused interventions that address current family stressors by strengthening current family coping strategies.

15 - QUALITATIVE LONGITUDINAL ASSESSMENT OF STRESSORS AND COPING MECHANISMS AMONG SYRIAN REFUGEE FAMILIES IN TURKEY