Predicting Meaningful Employment for Refugees: The Influence of Personal Characteristics and Developmental Factors on Employment Status and Hourly Wages

Authors: Codell, Jonathan¹; Hill, Robert²; Woltz, Dan²; Gore, Paul²

Source: International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, Volume 33, Number 3, September 2011 , pp. 216-224(9)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Refugee demographic and developmental variables were evaluated as predictors of employment outcomes following a six-month non-governmental organization (NGO) directed resettlement period. The sample consisted of 85 refugee adults (18 to 54 years) who were resettling in a medium sized urban setting in the western United States. Demographics included sex, age, education level, and English proficiency. Developmental factors included number of years spent as a refugee. Results suggested that for each year spent as a refugee there was a corresponding decrease in the ability to secure meaningful employment. Implications for vocational interventions with refugees are discussed within the framework of Social Cognitive Career Theory.

Keywords: Refugee; Resettlement; Employment; Development

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10447-011-9125-5

Affiliations: 1: Educational Psychology, University of Utah, 1705 Campus Center Drive, Rm 327, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-9255, USA, Email: jonathancodell@gmail.com 2: Educational Psychology, University of Utah, 1705 Campus Center Drive, Rm 327, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-9255, USA

Publication date: 2011-09-01