Exploring Factors Facilitating Resilience Amongst Unaccompanied Displaced Young People in Scotland

Abstract

Background: Refugee crisis is very prominent across the world. Many of the refugees are children, and many of them have lost their parents. Mental health difficulties and journey towards resilience of unaccompanied displaced young people are worth exploring to develop effective interventions for them.

Purpose: The aim of this dissertation is to explore factors that contributes to the resilience in unaccompanied displaced young people in Scotland. Specifically, this study aims to explore the elements of environment, actions and interventions from the professionals, and coping strategies foster resilience and which factors create barriers in its development.

Methods: Qualitative research methodology was used in this study. Thirteen participants working with unaccompanied displaced young people were interviewed. The data was thematically analyzed based on the categories mentioned in the conceptual framework.

Findings: Several themes and sub-themes emerged from the analysis. Under the concept of adversity, themes of loss and bereavement, dangerous journey, external trauma came out. Practical problems (practical needs, access to decent accommodation, navigation) and psychological problems (sleep problems, trauma symptoms, homesickness, fear and anxiety, sadness, frustration and confusion, bedwetting) evolved under the concept of problems and symptoms. Themes of agency, control and choice, safety, and trust emerged under environment. The concept of action and interventions has themes of events and celebration, re-building self-esteem, clarity and consistency, professional boundaries, my city and tree of life emerged through analysis. The themes under concept of coping resources were, bonds and bridge, faith, learning and growing, and balancing traditions. The barriers to resilience were oppressive systems, life on hold, language barriers, poverty, media, unhealthy coping mechanism and lack of specialized mental health support.

Conclusion: More research on resilience of unaccompanied displaced children is recommended for designing comprehensive trauma- and resilience-focused intervention for them.