Family conflict resolution and stress, anxiety, and depression among resettled Bhutanese adults in Massachusetts, United States

Introduction Refugees often face family conflict, along with increased stress, anxiety, and depression, as they adapt to new socio-cultural environments with limited language and essential skills. Examining the link between family conflict resolution (FCR) and mental health can provide valuable insights for promoting mental health among refugees. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between FCR and stress, anxiety, and depression among resettled Bhutanese adults in Massachusetts. Methods We surveyed 103 Bhutanese adults using a structured questionnaire. FCR was assessed with the 17-item FCR Scale. Stress levels were measured with the 10-item Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, and anxiety and depressive symptoms were evaluated with the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression, controlling for socio-demographic factors and coping styles. Results The mean (SD) ages of the male and female participants were 44.01 (16.6) and 38.19 (13.06), respectively. FCR was inversely associated with stress (β = −0.099, p = 0.002), anxiety (β = −0.103, p = 0.019), and depression (β = −0.120, p = 0.033). Mean scores in the highest tertile of FCR decreased significantly by 24.19% for stress (p for trend = 0.0002), 27.67% for anxiety (p for trend = 0.003), and 26.10% for depression (p for trend = 0.001) compared with the lowest tertile. Conclusion Greater use of FCR strategies was associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Incorporating FCR skills into clinical and community care can improve mental health outcomes by fostering healthier family relationships, expanding support networks, and building resilience.