Childhood
Volume 24, Issue 3, 2017, Pages 348-365

Lives on hold: A qualitative study of young refugees’ resilience strategies (Article) (Open Access)

Sleijpen M.* , Mooren T. , Kleber R.J. , Boeije H.R.
  • a Utrecht University, Netherlands, Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Netherlands
  • b Utrecht University, Netherlands, Foundation Centrum ‘45, Netherlands
  • c Utrecht University, Netherlands, Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Netherlands
  • d Utrecht University, Netherlands, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Netherlands

Abstract

Although the literature on positive adjustment following traumatic events is growing, only a few studies have examined this phenomenon in young refugees. Using the social-ecological framework, the aim of this study was to identify factors and processes that according to young refugees promote their resilience. A total of 16 treatment-seeking refugees aged 13–21 years, living in the Netherlands, were interviewed. Data analysis revealed four resilience strategies: (1) acting autonomously, (2) performing at school, (3) perceiving support from peers and parents, and (4) participating in the new society. These strategies interacted with one another and demonstrated the interrelatedness between individuals and their social context. Having to wait long for a residence permit and being older appeared to negatively influence participants’ resilience strategies. These findings suggest that resilience refers to a dynamic process that is context and time specific. © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017.

Author Keywords

youth Resilience Refugees Adaptation trauma

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85026916850&doi=10.1177%2f0907568217690031&partnerID=40&md5=49a5c3d872d65ec1edc8ec28ea8eac3f
DOI: 10.1177/0907568217690031
ISSN: 09075682
Cited by: 9
Original Language: English