Degree Date

6-2026

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy

Academic Discipline

Community Psychology

First Advisor

Judah Viola

Second Advisor

Suzette Fromm-Reed

Third Advisor

Bradley Olson

Abstract

A substantial body of research has examined the psychological impact of experiences preceding and following migration, yet comparatively little attention has been given to the psychological toll of the migration journey itself. Moreover, due to the relative novelty of the Venezuelan migrant crisis and the community’s arrival in the United States, the psychological impact of Venezuelan migrants’ unique migration experience has been underexamined. This study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to investigate the relationships between well-being, resilience, and trauma among Venezuelan migrants in Chicago, Illinois, while also exploring their lived experiences of the migration journey. Study participants (n = 202) completed a quantitative survey that assessed demographics, migration stressors, well-being, and resilience. Analyses revealed that exposure to potentially traumatic events during migration, particularly sexual assault among women, predicted poorer well-being, and that resilience predicted greater well-being. A subset of participants (n=14) completed a semi-structured qualitative interview. Qualitative analysis revealed six themes that illuminated the physical, psychological, and financial hardships migrants face as well as the widespread structural violence along the Central American migration corridor. It also provided insight into how the global community can support future migrants through policy and program implementation.

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