Evaluation of Refugee Interpreters' Wellbeing

Abstract

A CIPA Capstone student examined the trauma exposure of refugee interpreters in mental health services. A literature review established the negative mental health effects associated with working as a mental health interpreter as well as being a refugee. This research served as a basis for constructing a survey for refugee interpreters to be conducted by Humanity Crew and its partners in the field in fall 2019 and beyond. The survey used questions from the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The questions focused on PTSD, depression and anxiety. Each question was analyzed according to mental health impacts and will be distributed for further research and analysis.