Changes in Shared Decision-Making Roles and Perceived Stress in Syrian Refugee Parents Resettled in the Greater Toronto Area

Maria Boulos; Michaela Hynie; Shauna Spirling; Hala Tamim

doi:10.25071/1920-7336.41100

Authors

Maria Boulos School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5233-4445
Michaela Hynie Department of Psychology, York University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9266-9902
Shauna Spirling York University https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4836-5760
Hala Tamim School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2859-4619

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/1920-7336.41100

Keywords:

Syrian refugee parents, Canada, changes in decision-making roles, perceived stress

Abstract

This study explored changes in shared decision-making roles (day-to-day, financial, and major life decisions) and their relationships to perceived stress among 148 Syrian refugee parents after resettling in Toronto using a generalized estimated equation model. Parents were categorized as “towards shared” decision-making for 20.3%, 23.0%, and 21.6% of day-to-day, major life, and financial decisions, respectively. In families where both parents were unemployed, those who “always shared” making financial decisions had significantly lower perceived stress than those “towards shared” (p = .02). Understanding the cultural contexts of gender roles and the impact of acculturation may help promote better post-migration strategies.

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Author Biographies

Maria Boulos, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University

Maria Boulos is a Master’s Graduate Student at York University. She can be reached at maria.boulos1@gmail.com

Michaela Hynie, Department of Psychology, York University

Michaela Hynie is a Professor of Psychology at York University and a resident member of York University’s Centre for Refugee Studies. She can be reached at mhynie@yorku.ca.

Shauna Spirling, York University

Shauna Clayton is a PhD student at York University. She can be reached at shauna29@yorku.ca.

Hala Tamim , School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University

Hala Tamim is a Professor at the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University, and a member of the LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research. She can be reached at htamim@yorku.ca.

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