Developing A Sense of Belonging During Resettlement Amongst Former Refugee Young Adults

• Author / Creator

  Brar-Josan, Novjyot Joti

• Sense of belonging is believed to be a fundamental human characteristic (Maslow, 1987), however there has been little discussion on the belongingness need in psychology. One unique population that has also been neglected in this body of literature is refugee young adults. Prior to migration, some refugees experience separation, loss, isolation, and discrimination and these experiences can persist in resettlement countries. Developing social connections is a key factor in mediating the impact of pre and post-migration stress (Kovacev & Shute, 2004; Simich, Beiser, & Mawani, 2003). Furthermore, refugees themselves have identified a sense of belonging as an indicator of successful integration (Ager & Strang, 2004; Hogarth, 2011). Although, research with refugee children and youth has increased in regards to positive mentoring relationships (e.g., Brar, 2010) and sense of belonging in educational settings (Chopra et al., 2004; Howland, Anderson, Smiley, & Abbott, 2006; Rueda& Genzuk, 2007), little is known about the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Using a qualitative interpretive description (Thorne, 2008) methodology, six former refugee young adults were interviewed and data were analyzed thematically. Specifically, the study explored the conditions, actions, and behaviors that facilitate belonging. Five pathways to belonging were identified: (1) Feeling comfortable, (2) Feeling confident, (3) Feeling accepted, (4) Sense of purpose, and (5) Integration. Practice implications for psychologists who work with refugee young adults are discussed.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Former refugee,
  • Young adults
  • Refugee,
  • Belonging

• Graduation date

  Fall 2015

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Doctor of Philosophy

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3H708C1N

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.