Learning to Fit in: An Exploratory Study of General Perceived Self Efficacy in Selected Refugee Groups

As self efficacy beliefs help determine an individual’s response to challenging situations, we explored the impact of the
refugee experience on efficacy beliefs and their contribution to resettlement. General self efficacy (GSE) was assessed in
186 resettled Afghan and Kurdish refugees against a range of personal and temporal variables. Although no differences in GSE
in relation to temporal factors were noted, significant relationships between self efficacy, lower psychological distress
and higher subjective well being were evident. The findings suggest that GSE, because of its positive association with mental
health and well being, is a variable worthy of further examination in refugees. In addition to ensuring a supportive environment
for learning English, proactive employment strategies should be encouraged. Further research examining the use of successful
refugee role models to promote self efficacy, enhance motivation for learning and ensure newly arrived refugees view resettlement
as a challenge, rather than a threat, is recommended.