The refugee experience--migrating against one's will--is a source of immense psychological stress. This paper therefore draws on empirical findings and theoretical discussions from the psychological, psychiatric, nursing, social work, sociological, and anthropological literature in order to identify the major stressors encountered in the experience of refugees before, during, and after their flight from their native lands. Accordingly, after a background discussion of the global refugee phenomenon and a review of the literature, the refugee experience is divided into three task-defined periods. The first occurs prior to flight, when refugees bear both the stressors that lead to their decision to flee, and the difficulties associated with making the actual decision. The second, the period of flight, occurs between the onset of flight and actual resettlement--often involving years of waiting and frustration. The greater part of the paper is devoted to the third period of resettlement, and portrays stressors associated with familial discord, occupational concerns, cultural barriers, and mental health difficulties. Specific stressors associated with refugee women and children are then discussed, and concluding remarks touch upon lessons to be learned and thoughts about the future. A bibliography of over 100 references is included. (TE)