American Psychologist
Volume 73, Issue 6, 2018, Pages 797-811

Using attachment and relational perspectives to understand adaptation and resilience among immigrant and refugee youth (Article)

Juang L.P.* , Simpson J.A. , Lee R.M. , Rothman A.J. , Titzmann P.F. , Schachner M.K. , Korn L. , Heinemeier D. , Betsch C.
  • a College of Human Sciences, Education, University of Potsdam, Germany
  • b Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, United States
  • c Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, United States
  • d Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, United States
  • e Department of Psychology, Leibniz University of Hanover, Germany
  • f College of Human Sciences, Education, University of Potsdam, Germany
  • g Health Communication, University of Erfurt, Germany
  • h Health Communication, University of Erfurt, Germany
  • i Health Communication, University of Erfurt, Germany

Abstract

Migration is a critical issue for child development in the 21st century. We expand on García Coll et al.'s (1996) integrative model of minority child development by drawing from principles of attachment theory and interpersonal relationships research to offer new insights into how youth manage and respond to migration experiences. Immigrant and refugee youth should experience better outcomes to the extent that they (a) maintain strong relationships with caregivers and peers who provide a sense of closeness, safety, and confidence during the process of adjusting to this life transition and (b) find ways to establish a sense of connection and belonging to the new people, places, communities, and social networks within which they now live. Strong bonds to people and connection to places (both familiar and new) can counter the social stratification consequences to minority youth development that are well articulated in García Coll et al.'s integrative model. The need for new and better strategies that promote the positive development of immigrant and refugee youth within their families, schools, workplaces, and communities is crucial, not only for individuals and families but for society as a whole. © 2018 American Psychological Association.

Author Keywords

Relationships Resilience Connection to place Attachment theory Immigrant and refugee youth

Index Keywords

refugee Interpersonal Relations physiology human Refugees Schools object relation Object Attachment coping behavior Adaptation, Psychological human relation Humans migrant psychology Adolescent Emigrants and Immigrants school peer group Resilience, Psychological psychological resilience Child Development Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85052918607&doi=10.1037%2famp0000286&partnerID=40&md5=ea7e2f0cc7f554da1e107b9c15836a60
DOI: 10.1037/amp0000286
ISSN: 0003066X
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English