This qualitative study examines what contributes to the development of personal identity among refugee adolescents of African origin who have immigrated to Québec. For this purpose, 12 adolescents participated in individual interviews and in self-recorded interviews. The research findings show that the development of young people’s personal identity is directly and indirectly influenced by personal characteristics, the environmental, and the interpersonal relationships. We identify both elements that facilitate the development of personal identity and obstacles to such development so as to provide better support for health education among refugee adolescents. © The Author(s) 2013.

Adolescent Phenomenology culture and cultural issues Ethnicity

refugee Interpersonal Relations Quebec adolescent development human Refugees qualitative research human relation Humans psychology Adolescent Psychology, Adolescent male Canada Personality Development Acculturation ego development child psychology female self concept cultural factor