Canadian Psychology
Volume 57, Issue 4, 2016, Pages 320-329

Infusing sociocultural perspectives into capacity building activities to meet the needs of refugees and asylum seekers (Review)

Rivera H. , Lynch J. , Li J.-T.* , Obamehinti F.
  • a Department of Educational Psychology, Texas AandM University, 100 Harrington Tower, College Station, TX 77843-4225, United States
  • b Department of Educational Psychology, Texas AandM University, 100 Harrington Tower, College Station, TX 77843-4225, United States
  • c Department of Educational Psychology, Texas AandM University, 100 Harrington Tower, College Station, TX 77843-4225, United States
  • d Region 10 English for Speakers of Other Languages Program, Migrant/Refugee Network, Dallas, TX, United States

Abstract

It is estimated that 1 in every 230 persons in the world is a child or adolescent who has been forced to flee his or her home. These statistics speak to the reality of refugees and asylum seekers who experience tremendous challenges to survive during an uncertain and often difficult journey. This literature review is an exploration of the diverse migration experiences of refugees, the challenges they face as they seek to integrate into their host societies, and the resilience characteristics shown by many refugees, as well as the protective factors that can support their social integration. We have identified key resilience characteristics (e.g., personal agency, beliefs that life has meaning, goal direction, sense of purpose, motivation) among refugees and asylum seekers, as well as revealed protective factors to support their social integration (e.g., mentor, community network, resources, and training.). We have also highlighted the need for capacity building activities that incorporate these protective factors into refugees and asylum seekers' social integration. Furthermore, some key organisational recommendations are made to inform educators, school psychologists, and other practitioners working with school-age children, individuals, and refugee families. © 2016 Canadian Psychological Association.

Author Keywords

Protective factors Resilience Refugees challenges to integration sociocultural background

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85006637449&doi=10.1037%2fcap0000076&partnerID=40&md5=e875ff09063ba3f7809e18309eae95b5
DOI: 10.1037/cap0000076
ISSN: 07085591
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English