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Abstract Existing acculturation frameworks do not adequately explain how trauma, gender-based violence (GBV), and host-country conditions can reshape the identity, autonomy, agency and intimate relationships of refugee women. Although Berry's (1997) bidimensional model explains acculturation through four strategies, and Bornstein's (2017) specificity principle identifies the factors that shape those processes, neither accounts for trauma-linked transformation.. Using interpr

Dr Allison King | Doctor of Psychology & Psychotherapy | Researcher How much of yourself have you changed in order to belong?It is a question most people have never been asked directly. Yet if you sit with it honestly, the answer is often: quite a lot. I have been thinking about this question for a long time first as a researcher, and more recently as a clinician. My doctoral research at the University of Central Lancashire involved listening, in depth, to refugee women rebu

Introduction Why High-Functioning People Burn Out (Even When They’re Coping) Psychological distress is commonly conceptualised within discrete diagnostic categories, including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. However, such classifications may not adequately capture the complexity of individuals exposed to sustained and cumulative stressors. In particular, high-functioning adults often present with preserved external performance alongside internal dysregulati

Introduction (from my Masters in Psychology research) Trait anxiety refers to a relatively stable disposition to perceive situations as threatening and to respond with heightened worry and emotional reactivity across contexts (Spielberger, 1983). Elevated trait anxiety has been associated with impaired cognitive functioning, attentional bias towards threat, and increased vulnerability to psychological distress (Eysenck et al., 2007). Identifying factors that may reduce or reg

In my doctoral research, Transformative Acculturation: Identity, Relationships, and Adaptation Among Refugee Women in Switzerland (King, 2025), findings highlighted the need to extend existing acculturation frameworks to more fully account for the impact of pre-migration trauma, particularly gender-based violence (GBV), on post-migration adaptation. While Berry’s (1997) acculturation framework conceptualised acculturation through four strategies marginalisation, separation, i

Intersectionality provides a critical analytic framework for understanding how women’s psychological experiences are shaped by the interaction of multiple, co-constitutive identity positions. First articulated by Crenshaw (1989), intersectionality challenges single-axis approaches to identity by demonstrating that social categories such as gender, race, class, and legal status do not operate independently but intersect to produce qualitatively distinct forms of marginalisatio

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) poses a serious threat to migrant, refugee, and forcibly displaced women, and these risks are often intensified by forced migration and displacement (UNHCR, 2022). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately one in three women globally have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime (WHO, 2021). For women affected by migration, displacement, and conf

In refugee contexts, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (2018) defines the family as a core unit of individuals connected by blood, marriage, or adoption, typically including spouses and children. For refugee women, family is not only a social structure but a primary site where cultural values, norms, and expectations are formed and reinforced. Pre-migration cultural frameworks are often shaped within the family, influencing women’s roles, identities, and perce

Women’s post-migration experiences are often described in terms of adjustment, integration, or adaptation. Yet these terms can oversimplify the complexity of what happens during acculturation. These realities shape how women experience belonging, identity, and safety in their new environments. However, traditional acculturation models do not always fully capture these experiences. This article draws on do ctoral research and the findings have international relevance and impli

How Racism Shapes Migrant Women’s Lives Across Borders While much of my research has centered on refugee women’s post-migration experiences in Switzerland, the stories shared by participants reflect global patterns of racism and exclusion that cut across national borders. Whether in Bern, Brisbane, or Berlin, women with refugee backgrounds often face overt hostility, subtle discrimination, and systemic barriers that affect their sense of safety, belonging, and psychological w

Migration is often spoken about in terms of opportunity, safety, or the possibility of a new beginning. Yet for many people, the reality is more complicated. Alongside hope and relief, there is another experience that is often less visible: grief. Whether someone has migrated voluntarily, under pressure, or through forced displacement, the emotional impact of leaving behind family, community, culture, and familiar routines can be profound. Grief in the context of migration is

Migration brings many visible forms of change — new languages, new systems, new expectations. Yet some of the most significant changes happen in the private world of intimate relationships. For many refugee women, partnership becomes the space where cultural expectations, gender norms, and post-migration realities collide, sometimes creating unexpected sources of strength, and at other times exposing deep tensions. In my research with refugee women in Switzerland, intimate re

Dr Allison R. King Developer of Transformative Acculturation (TA) Across the world, millions of forcibly displaced people are rebuilding their lives far from home. For many refugee women, this journey is shaped not only by migration but also by the long shadow of gender-based violence (GBV). In my research with refugee women resettled in Switzerland, I found that cultural adaptation can become far more than a practical adjustment to a new society. Under certain conditions, i

Acculturation is often viewed through the lens of cultural exchange, but it can also serve as a powerful tool for healing. In a world where cultural identities are constantly evolving, understanding how transformative acculturation can impact personal and communal well-being is essential. This blog post will explore the concept of transformative acculturation, its benefits, and practical steps to embrace this journey toward healing. Understanding Transformative Acculturation

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue that affects individuals across the globe, leaving deep emotional and psychological scars. Survivors often face challenges in rebuilding their identities after experiencing such trauma. This blog post explores the journey of reclaiming one's identity post-GBV, offering insights, practical steps, and support resources. Understanding the Impact of Gender-Based Violence Gender-based violence (GBV) affects the whole person. Beyond

Trauma is a profound experience that can leave lasting scars, particularly for women who have fled their homes in search of safety. Refugee women often face unique challenges that compound their mental health struggles, making it essential to understand the intricacies of their experiences. This blog post delves into the various aspects of trauma in refugee women's mental health, exploring the causes, effects, and potential pathways to healing. The Nature of Trauma Trauma can