The discrepancy between the intensity of psychiatric symptoms and the social adjustment of adolescent refugees has been noted repeatedly and remains a puzzle, given the loss and trauma experienced through their migration process. To verify whether this lack of association between symptoms and social adjustment was specific to refugees and stable throughout adolescence, 57 young Cambodians were followed over a four-year period, from early to late adolescence, and their profile was compared with that of a peer group made up of 45 native Québécois. The profile of emotional and behavioural symptoms reported by Cambodian-born adolescents and native Québécois was similar, but the latter reported more risk behaviours than Cambodians. While some subgroups of adolescent refugees exhibit high levels of symptoms and may be in need of help, the resilience of adolescent refugees should not be underestimated by decision makers and school and health authorities in host countries.

[No Keywords available]

Canada refugee Child Welfare adolescence risk assessment