Social support and resilience among Burmese adolescent refugees: Examining ethnic identity searching and belonging as moderators

Abstract

Adolescent refugees are at risk of developing mental health difficulties due to exposure to trauma and stressors during the process of forced migration. However, many remain resilient in the face of adversity due to various protective factors. Previous research has suggested that family, peer social support, and stronger ethnic identity may serve as protective factors that improve resilience processes in refugee youth with some evidence indicating that these factors may interact to enhance positive adaptation and adjustment. Therefore, this study examined the main effects of peer and family social support, and ethnic identity searching and belonging on resilience behavior in a sample of Burmese adolescent refugees living in the United States. Additionally, ethnic identity searching and belonging were examined as moderators. Results indicated adolescents who reported greater peer and family social support also reported greater resilience during adversity. Ethnic identity searching and belonging were not significant predictors of resilience; however, ethnic identity searching did enhance the relationship between peer social support and resilience at both high and low levels of peer social support. These findings highlight the importance of social support and engaging in ethnic identity exploration for adolescent refugees. The implications for future research and the potential for interventions are fully discussed.