Date Approved

11-1999

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Nursing (M.S.N.)

Degree Program

College of Nursing

Abstract

In 1992, Bosnian Serbian and Serbian forces launched a campaign of genocide against Muslim and Croatian civilians in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This nightmarish odyssey ended for many non-Serbians when they escaped to other countries. Many of these families chose to come to the United States.

The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experience of Bosnian refugees who suffered as a result of genocide. The research method used for this study was a phenomenological method based on Husserlian philosophy. Four Bosnian refugees, who escaped to a midwestem state during and after the war, were asked to answer the following research question: "describe your lived experience as a Bosnian refugee who has suffered as a result of genocide. The verbal descriptions of their personal lived experiences were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim . These descriptions were analyzed using the Giorgi’s method. Three themes were identified: forced exile, adjustment, and homesickness.

The findings from this study will:

1. provide insight and understanding regarding the Bosnian refugee population

2. help develop strategies for care for the Bosnian refugee population

3. provide information for teaching nurses and other health care professionals about the Bosnian refugee population

Comments

Questions or concerns regarding the copyright status of this item may be directed to scholarworks@gvsu.edu.

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