Parenting Among Rohingya and Afghan Refugee Parents Residing in Malaysia

Abstract

Objective This study examined the measurement properties of parenting‐related measures among 140 Rohingya and Afghan refugee parents residing in Malaysia, then examined factors associated with these parenting outcomes. Background Unprecedented numbers of forced migrant families reside in countries of first asylum with temporary status and limited legal rights. Limited research examines parenting experiences among these communities. Method To examine construct validity and reliability of parenting‐related measures among this sample, we carried out confirmatory factor analysis to examine respectively the factor structure of scales measuring underlying latent constructs of Child Adjustment & Parent Efficacy, the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire, and the Family Functioning Scale. Their associations with individual (gender, age, ethnicity, education), social (marital status, number of children), and environmental factors (time in Malaysia, food insecurity, employment, and emotional distress) were examined using structural equation modeling. Results Residing in Malaysia for a longer period of time was associated with higher child behavioral intensity, lower parent self‐efficacy, and higher family conflict. Food insecurity was associated with lower parent self‐efficacy, and being employed was associated with positive parenting as well as poor supervision. Higher levels of emotional distress were associated with higher child behavioral intensity, lower parent self‐efficacy, and lower levels of poor supervision. Conclusion Displacement challenges negatively affect refugee parents and families. Implications Solutions are needed that bolster the abilities of forced migrants to establish permanence and provide for their families. Additionally, attention toward the unique challenges of refugee families can guide service provision within countries of first asylum.

Education for non-citizen children in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

“…We found that younger students, particularly those with poor language skills have difficulty following virtual lessons and would benefit from parental guidance in the absence of a teacher. Unfortunately, non-citizen parents with low educational attainment, like the Rohingya refugees in Malaysia [ 54 , 55 ], may be less able to support children with home education and online learning [ 43 , 56 – 58 ]. Studies elsewhere have linked various dimensions of socioeconomic background, especially social housing and parental education with school absenteeism and poor academic achievement [ 59 – 61 ].…”

A Randomized Clinical Trial Testing a Parenting Intervention Among Afghan and Rohingya Refugees in Malaysia

“…Intervention content drew upon parenting resources implemented in similar contexts and from preparatory work with refugee communities in Malaysia. Primary resources utilized for session content included, “A toolkit on positive discipline with particular emphasis on South and Central Asia” (Save the Children, 2010), “Bridging refugee youth and children’s services: Raising children in a new country” (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2007), and culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (Hinton, Rivera, Hofmann, Barlow, & Otto, 2012; Shaw et al, 2019). Interest in receiving parenting supports originated from participants in a previous mental health‐focused intervention project (Shaw et al, 2019).…”

“…Primary resources utilized for session content included, “A toolkit on positive discipline with particular emphasis on South and Central Asia” (Save the Children, 2010), “Bridging refugee youth and children’s services: Raising children in a new country” (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2007), and culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (Hinton, Rivera, Hofmann, Barlow, & Otto, 2012; Shaw et al, 2019). Interest in receiving parenting supports originated from participants in a previous mental health‐focused intervention project (Shaw et al, 2019). This parenting intervention further developed through consultation with the research team in Malaysia as well as through focus groups conducted with Rohingya and Afghan communities, where we sought feedback on topics of interest and parenting‐related challenges.…”

“…Linear growth modeling was appropriate for the study as it: (1) allows examination and comparison of slope estimates (i.e., rates of change) across groups, (2) provides enough statistical power to detect differences in slope estimates when sample sizes are small, and (3) provides generally unbiased estimates in the presence of missing data (see Curran, Obeidat, & Losardo, 2010 and Shaw et al, 2019, for examples). Bayesian estimation was also appropriate, particularly given the small sample size.…”

“…In these locations of temporary asylum such as Malaysia, where over 177,000 refugees and asylum seekers are registered with UNHCR, refugee families have few legal rights as well as limited access to education and health resources (Abdullah, Dali, & Razak, 2018; Letchamanan, 2013; Smith, 2012; UNHCR, 2020a. Stress and barriers to well‐being are common among refugees and asylum seekers residing in Malaysia (Kok, Lee, & Low, 2017; Low, Kok, & Lee, 2014; Shaw, Ward, Pillai, & Hinton, 2019; Zarkesh, Baranovich, & Shoup, 2017). Despite challenges, parents utilize personal and social resources to manage responsibilities and support their children’s well‐being (Lenette, Brough, & Cox, 2013).…”