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AbstractThe present study investigates the experiences of Sudanese refugees by exploring the themes that characterize participants' experiences in Sudan, en route, and at their Australian destination. In particular, the research identifies several factors that may be seen as 'helps' or 'hindrances' to Sudanese refugees' adaptation. Participants were 12 Sudanese refugees aged between 19 and 40 years old who had been residing in Australia for five years or less. A qualitative phenomenological approach to data collection and analysis was employed. Examination of the interview transcripts revealed that all participants identified both 'hindrances' and 'helps' toward adaptation and indicated that positive adaptation is not only possible, but probable for Sudanese refugees in spite of their past experiences of trauma and present resettlement difficulties. Several practical implications were elicited from the research including a need for programs that actively promote refugees' adaptation by encouraging the broadening of social networks.

AbstractObjectiveTo examine benefit‐finding processes in families raising children with chronic food hypersensitivity and provide practical advice for practitioners and families.BackgroundThe existing literature primarily describes benefits individuals identify from adversity. This study addresses a literature gap by examining processes facilitating benefit‐finding within families.MethodThis was a multicenter classical grounded theory study comparing benefit‐finding processes through analysis of semistructured interviews with 11 families (48 nuclear family members).ResultsThree main benefit‐finding processes were identified, forming a hierarchical benefit‐finding process model: It Could Be Worse (benefit‐finding); Silver Lining (benefit‐reminding generating positive affect); Action Advantage (benefit‐reminding generating advantageous behavior change). Enhanced family functioning and well‐being was observed with Action Advantage. Parental training facilitated Action Advantage. Parental role‐modeling and reinforcement transferred benefit‐finding processes among family members, producing a shared family process.ConclusionsTraining parents to model Action Advantage benefit‐finding and implementing Family Management Plans addressing biopsychosocial well‐being of all family members is recommended. Evidence suggests such actions may enhance family functioning, cohesive relationships, and well‐being.ImplicationsTranslatable findings advance theory and may facilitate benefit‐finding process assessment instruments, interventions, and teachable strategies for practitioners and researchers supporting families raising children with chronic food hypersensitivity.

ObjectiveUsing a cohort of foster and kin carers, the research examined the underlying factor structure of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS; Berry & Jones, 1995). A hypothesized underlying two‐dimensional theoretical model was explored.BackgroundWith the growing demands on the foster care system, including poor retention and recruitment of foster carers, there is an urgent need to explore the positive and negative factors that may influence carers continued engagement in the role.MethodThe factor structure of the PSS was examined in a sample of foster and kin carers in Australia (N = 324). The PSS consists of 10 statements addressing stressful aspects of parenting and eight statements addressing satisfying aspects of parenting. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) explored the underlying theoretical structure of the scale as determined by the developers. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm whether four factors would sustain reduction to a two‐dimensional (satisfaction–stress) model.ResultsEFA and CFA supported a two‐dimensional moderately correlated model measuring parent stress and parent satisfaction. The Parent Stress Index IV Short Form provided concurrent validity for the PSS stress subscale and previous analyses have also identified the strength of these dimensions over time, cohorts, and contexts.ConclusionThe current study supports using the subscale scores in research with foster carers and potentially other populations to better capture both stress and rewards and satisfaction related to their parenting role.ImplicationsApplication of the PSS subscales can assess interactions or moderating effects of parenting in specific cohorts, making the PSS a valuable instrument to examine the balance between stress and reward for parents, foster parents and others who are "parenting" children.

PurposeThis study seeks systematically to investigate the extent to which the documented aims of formal work‐family policies are being achieved at the level of individual employees.Design/methodology/approachConsistency between policy and practice in the case study organization was explored via an analysis of organizational documents which described work‐family policies and 20 interviews with employed women with dependent children.FindingsResults show that the use of flexible work arrangements was consistent with aims related to balance and productivity. However, women's experiences and perceptions of part‐time employment conflicted with policies aiming to support the same career opportunities as full‐time employees.Research limitations/implicationsThe nature of the organization and its policies as well as certain characteristics of the sample may limit the generalizability of findings to other sectors and groups of employees.Practical implicationsThe research highlights the need to assess whether work‐family policies are experienced as intended, a process which may contribute to future policy development and assist human resource specialists to promote genuine balance between work and non‐work responsibilities.Originality/valueThe results inform the current understanding of how organizational policy translates into practice.

AbstractA salutogenic approach explored themes of strength and well‐being in life stories of Burmese refugees (N = 18) in Australia. Previous refugee studies have tended to focus on negative responses to traumatic events (e.g. posttraumatic stress disorder, depression). To widen the scope of refugee related research the focus of the current study was informed by a salutogenic perspective, exploring sources of strength that may facilitate well‐being. Semi‐structured narrative interviews explored: the participant's life before fleeing Burma, the journey of exile, and post‐migration in Australia. Eight women and 10 men (Mage = 39 years) were interviewed and transcriptions analysis of narratives was conducted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), with major themes being explicated. Super‐ordinate themes pertaining to strength during times of hardship were identified and explicated as: support from interpersonal relationships, the pivotal role of values, a sense of future and agency, and reliance on spiritual or religious beliefs. Results indicate the existence of sources of strength that may contribute to human responses in times of hardship. Recognition and reflection of strengths may be incorporated into therapeutic and resettlement approaches for people from refugee backgrounds.