Psychosocial adjustment of recently resettled refugee adolescents
A qualitative study of adolescent and service provider perspectives
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 17804150 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Amanda Sims (0000-0001-7995-6299, McMaster University, corresponding author), Amanda Sim (McMaster University, corresponding author), Hasana Jayawardena (McMaster University), Allison Leanage (McMaster University), Afreen Ahmad (0000-0002-7757-2141, McMaster University), Lina Hammad (0000-0002-4094-5151, McMaster University), Yasmine Shalaby (0000-0002-3477-3410, McMaster University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-14 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-07 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1745-0136 • E-ISSN: 1745-0128 |
| Publisher | Routledge (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/17450128.2026.2669921 |
| OpenAlex | W7160560644 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 27 |
Refugee adolescents experience displacement and resettlement-related stressors that increase risk of poor psychosocial outcomes. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the psychosocial adjustment of recently resettled refugee adolescents in Hamilton, Canada, drawing on the perspectives and lived experiences of adolescents themselves as well as service providers. We conducted virtual semi-structured interviews with 11 refugee adolescents aged 13–17 years old and 33 service providers from 14 organizations supporting refugee and immigrant communities in Hamilton. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and results from the service provider and adolescent interviews were reviewed to identify areas of convergence and dissonance. We identified four major themes related to the psychosocial adjustment of refugee adolescents: (1) social and material stressors including language barriers, discrimination, and economic insecurity; (2) trauma and family conflict; (3) relationships and recreation as protective resources; and (4) faith and hope for the future. Unlike adolescent participants who emphasized the positive role of caregivers and family in providing psychosocial support, service providers highlighted family conflict and communication gaps as sources of psychological distress. Results underscore the importance of strengthening protective resources at different ecological levels – from the family to the school and community – to promote positive psychosocial adjustment among recently resettled refugee adolescents. Bolstering these resources through culturally tailored family strengthening and school- and community-based interventions will help to ensure refugee youth can thrive in their new lives.
Health services · Psychosocial · Qualitative research · Refugee · Service provider · Child Welfare and Adoption · Education and experiences of immigrants and refugees · Migration, Health and Trauma
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |