The Effects of Trauma on the Mental Health of South Sudanese Young Adults in the US and their Coping Mechanisms

Since the early 1990s, thousands of South Sudanese refugees have resettled in the United States. Although many South Sudanese refugee children were not directly exposed to war trauma, they remain vulnerable to mental health challenges that may be transmitted through generational trauma. There is a gap in the literature on the specific experiences of South Sudanese young adults whose parents resettled in the U.S. Using the Cultural Framework for Generational Trauma this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of their lived experiences and coping strategies. We conducted 14 key informant interviews with South Sudanese young adults (ages 18–24) who identified as 7 males and 7 females. Analysis revealed four key themes: (1) parental trauma shaped participants’ emotional wellbeing; (2) colorism in childhood environments further complicated mental health; (3) coping strategies included both adaptive behaviors (arts and sports) and maladaptive behaviors (isolation and substance use); and (4) overcoming early adversities fostered a resilient sense of identity. These findings highlight an urgent need for comprehensive mental health support services that address both intergenerational trauma and the unique challenges faced by South Sudanese refugee children.