“Just Be Strong, You Will Get through It” a Qualitative Study of Young Migrants’ Experiences of Settling in New Zealand

Enoka De Jacolyn, Karolina Stasiak and Judith McCool
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Enoka De Jacolyn: Faculty of Medical and Health Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Karolina Stasiak: Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Judith McCool: Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-12

Abstract: Migration, when it occurs during adolescence, is particularly challenging as it coincides with a myriad of other developmental and social changes. The present study set out to explore recent young migrants’ experiences of settling in New Zealand. The qualitative study aimed to identify areas of particular challenge, examples of resilience and new insights into the acculturation process. Focus group interviews were conducted with migrant youth aged 16–19 from three urban secondary schools in Auckland The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using a general inductive method. Key themes centered on new beginnings, confronting new realities, acceptance, support seeking and overcoming challenges. Young migrants in this study shared similar challenges during the early post-migration period. They were often faced with additional responsibility, being caught between two cultures while struggling with communication and language. However, they were able to draw on their own self-growth, gratitude, and social connections. This study provides an insight into experiences of young migrants in New Zealand, and offers suggestions for developing culturally relevant support to foster migrant youth wellbeing.

Keywords: migration; migrant; adolescent; adaptation; resilience; acculturation; New Zealand (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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