“Help goes around in a circle”: young unaccompanied refugees’ engagement in interpersonal relationships and its significance for resilience
International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care
ISSN: 1747-9894
Article publication date: 17 September 2019
Issue publication date: 18 October 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address how young unaccompanied refugees in Norway actively engage in interpersonal relationships. It explores the significance of these relationships in doing well following adversity, according to the young people’s own perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on a qualitative research design. Data were derived through a combination of participant observation, interviews and research workshops inspired by participatory methods. In total, 12 young unaccompanied refugees, aged 15–20, residing in Norway, participated in the study.
Findings
Participants described actively searching for help and support in order to do well. In addition, they showed concern for others and often described an explicit intention of helping. They engaged in relationships of mutual support and helped others through acts of kindness or social involvement. Nevertheless, the relationships were not only a source of happiness, safety and well-being, but also of pain and worry.
Practical implications
Social workers who want to strengthen the resilience of young unaccompanied refugees should consider and build on the young people’s capacity for involvement and mutual support.
Originality/value
This study offers a unique analysis of young unaccompanied refugees’ engagement in relationships and the significance of these relationships in doing well following adversity.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are most thankful to the young unaccompanied refugees who participated and shared their experiences and to the municipal centre that facilitated the study. The authors thank Nora Sveaass, Hege Kristin Iversen and Jomaa Nazari for providing valuable feedback. In addition, the authors are grateful to contributions from Sissel Seim, Camilla Scharffscher Engeset and Baqir Moamen in an early phase of the research project and to peers at PROFRES and the University of Stavanger for helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper.
Citation
Johansen, K. and Studsrød, I. (2019), "“Help goes around in a circle”: young unaccompanied refugees’ engagement in interpersonal relationships and its significance for resilience", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 249-261. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-03-2019-0035
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited