Abstract
This paper was part of a large study that aimed to explore determinants of increased suicides among African youths in South Australia. As part of this larger study, narratives from participants indicated that identity crisis could be a potential determinant of suicide. This paper reports on how African youths negotiate and form identity in Australia. A qualitative inquiry was undertaken with 31 African youths using a focus group and individual interviews. Data analysis was guided by a framework for qualitative research. These youths negotiated multiple identities, including those of race, gender, ethnicity and their origin. ‘Freedom and opportunity’, ‘family relationships’, ‘neither belonging here nor there’ and ‘the ability to cope against the paradox of resourcefulness in Australia’ appeared to be important themes in negotiating individual identities. An opportunity was used to acknowledge privileges available in Australia relative to Africa. However, the extent to which individuals acted on these opportunities varied, affecting a person’s sense of purpose, identity formation and belonging in Australia. The loss of social networks following migration, and cultural differences between African and Australian societies, shaped the experience of belonging and identity formation. These findings are crucial as they indicate the need for policies and practices that consider experiences of youths as they form their identity in Australia. Further studies with large numbers of participants are needed to explore these issues further among African youths in Australia.
Highlights
There is dearth of information about the mental health needs of Africans, especially young people in Australia, and most refugees do not present for mental health services
The study findings demonstrate that African youths in Australia draw on available resources when negotiating identities in Australia
The findings of the current study revealed that African youths valued opportunities for self-determination, in particular the availability of formal education, freedom of speech and individual action, and freedom from oppression and war
Summary
There is dearth of information about the mental health needs of Africans, especially young people in Australia, and most refugees do not present for mental health services. The formation of identity and the ways youths negotiated these in their new environment, in Australia, were further analysed and considered to be an important discovery, leading to the authors’ decision to unpack further and write this paper to contribute to the body of migrant and refugee health knowledge. Identity construction is an important process for migrant and refugee youths. Planning for the future at this stage occurs within a social and cultural context that influences the ability of youths to engage in society successfully [2]. This process is likely to be challenging for migrant and refugee
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
