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Voices rarely heard: Personal construct assessments of Sub-Saharan unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee youth in England

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  • O'Toole Thommessen, Sara Amalie
  • Corcoran, Paula
  • Todd, Brenda K.

Abstract

Unaccompanied refugee minors are particularly vulnerable to stress and risk during the journey to asylum-countries and in the post-migration environment. This study aimed to determine ways in which positive post-migration development and integration could be achieved for this group. Thematic analysis of interviews based on Personal Construct assessments reflected young asylum-seeking and refugee individuals' experiences of their social situation in England. Participants emphasised the importance of social support as a means for hope, as an escape from distress and as an opportunity to form relationships that resembled family bonds. They expressed their desire to move forward and to achieve their goals, as well as their fear of rejections and issues related to trust. The participants' voices illustrate areas where gaps remain to be filled in terms of providing sufficient support to unaccompanied minors and youth in England, with implications for future research, policy and practice. The importance of providing unaccompanied children and youth with an opportunity to engage in meaningful activities with peers and adults is demonstrated and the need to provide initiatives that seek to prevent discrimination is highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • O'Toole Thommessen, Sara Amalie & Corcoran, Paula & Todd, Brenda K., 2017. "Voices rarely heard: Personal construct assessments of Sub-Saharan unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee youth in England," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 293-300.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:81:y:2017:i:c:p:293-300
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.08.017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Montgomery, Edith, 2008. "Long-term effects of organized violence on young Middle Eastern refugees' mental health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(10), pages 1596-1603, November.
    2. Thommessen, S. & Laghi, F. & Cerrone, C. & Baiocco, R. & Todd, B.K., 2013. "Internalizing and externalizing symptoms among unaccompanied refugee and Italian adolescents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 7-10.
    3. Kenneth Carswell & Pennie Blackburn & Chris Barker, 2011. "The Relationship Between Trauma, Post-Migration Problems and the Psychological Well-Being of Refugees and Asylum Seekers," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 57(2), pages 107-119, March.
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    2. Esther Salmerón-Manzano & Francisco Manzano-Agugliaro, 2018. "Unaccompanied Minors: Worldwide Research Perspectives," Publications, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-15, December.
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    4. Nho, Choong Rai & Yoon, Sukyoung & Ko, Juae, 2018. "Voices of refugee children in Korea," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 606-616.
    5. O'Toole Thommessen, Sara Amalie & Todd, Brenda K., 2018. "How do refugee children experience their new situation in England and Denmark? Implications for educational policy and practice," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 228-238.

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